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C e l e b r a t i n g 2 5 y e a r s a n d 2 2 M u l t i c u l t u r a l M e d i a A w aMAY r d2020 s1

NATIONAL EDITION

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MANJITS

LET’S DREAM ABOUT

THE FUTURE

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2 MAY 2020

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EDITORIAL

Leading the way out of COVID-19

PUBLISHER Pawan Luthra EDITOR Rajni Anand Luthra SOCIAL MEDIA Suruchi Sehgal MELBOURNE COORDINATOR Preeti Jabbal CONTRIBUTORS Rhea L Nath, Mohana Dhoble, Zlatko Varenina, Ritam Mitra, Tarini Puri, Sandip Hor, Minal Khona, LP Ayer HEAD, SALES AND MARKETING Vivek Singh SALES OPERATIONS Charuta Joshi

Indian Link is a fortnightly newspaper published in English. No material, including advertisements designed by Indian Link, may be reproduced in part or in whole without the written consent of the editor. Opinions carried in Indian Link are those of the writers and not necessarily endorsed by Indian Link. All correspondence should be addressed to:

INDIAN LINK MEDIA GROUP Level 24/44 Market St, Sydney 2000 GPO Box 108, Sydney 2001 Ph: 02 9279-2004 Fax: 02 9279-2005 Email: info@indianlink.com.au

NATIONAL EDITION

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

L

eadership (or the lack thereof) has been thrust under the spotlight during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As we go to print, 4,186,000 people globally have been struck by this disease with 286,000 deaths, and the leaders of nations have either used this tragedy to reunite their population, or sadly, divide them.

President Trump’s messaging has not only been confusing but bizarre. The comictragic comment of injecting disinfectant was a sad moment for America. The President’s messa in durin this whole affair has been rambling at best, deranged at worst.

To date he has expressed no sympathy for the 81,500 who have died in the US alone, almost a third of global deaths. One fears the most powerful military nation in the world will hold a sad record in this area.

Contrasting the messaging to what we in Australia have experienced, we could consider ourselves lucky that our leadership has served us well. Perhaps in the future, the lament might well be made that PM

Morrison and the State premiers could have done it better, but we must remind ourselves that it was - and is - a rapidly evolving situation. Decisions had to be taken with not only the facts at hand but also looking to the future, with a best-guess scenario.

Decisions were made and communicated well to the Australian community, at both national as well as state levels. Premiers Berejklian and Andrews set aside their political colours and as premiers of the two most influential Australian states got their messaging out well.

Unfortunately, Labor Senator Kristina eneall was totall off messa e when she called for temporary migration to Australia to be reduced to ensure that Australians get a fair go and first go at jobs. This, when there is backlash against ChineseAustralians due to the origin of Covid 19.

The Senator’s wolf-whistling and lack of awareness as to the contributions which migrants make to this country of migrants, left us shaking our heads.

In India, the Prime Minister has largely been on-message, invoking religion and mythology in this fight against the virus. Whether blowing of conch shells or clapping or lighting lamps, the simple messages did cut through. What could have helped more is an earlier

announcement by the Central Government for the care of millions of poor, migrant workers left abandoned with the suddenness of the lockdown.

The full accolades for leadership messaging though, has to be shared by five women leaders in the world who have been hailed as the voices of reason surrounded by the chaos of the coronavirus.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern led with empathy and firmness; Germany’s Angela Merkel appealed to the sensibility and responsibility of the German people; Silveria Jacob of the Caribbean nation Sint Maarten, just said, “Simply. Stop. Moving” and got her message out.

When Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg communicated, she messaged the young people of her country, acknowledging that it is ok to be scared. Her empathy won her the support of her people.

Iceland’s Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir worked closely with the private sector in early testing of those willing and so was able to isolate those effected from the communit at lar e.

All five female leaders took decisive steps to shield their citizens and are role models for other global leaders in these uncertain times.

MAY 2020 3

CONTENTS SPECIAL FEATURES COVID-19 New agendas at work

08

FIRST PERSON Bringing the kids home

14

ADVENTURE Self-isolating at sea

18

SCREEN Ranveer Harsh in How To Stay Married

27

FESTIVAL A COVID Ramadan

28

14

27

18

28

COVER STORY

16

Coming back home

QUIT THE EXPENSE.

You could save over $10,000 a year if you quit smoking.

YOU QUIT. YOU WIN. For tips from real ex-smokers visit 4 MAY 2020

www.indianlink.com.au

NATIONAL EDITION

MAY 2020 5

YOUR SAY

…. AND YOU TOO, IRRFAN KHAN

WE’LL MISS YOU, RISHI KAPOOR…

Mary Francis wrote: May his soul rest in peace.

Yashvi Shah wrote: One of the coolest most iconic actors in Hindi cinema from the ‘70s to present. RIP Sheetal Bhagat wrote: Rest in peace.

Shikha Ghosh wrote: He was our Bobby. RIP Bhupinder Jabbal wrote: RIP Vanita Jain Sharma wrote: Dil baith gaya hai, Aankhen nam hain, Rishiji aapke jaane ka bada gham hai Manan Sehgal wrote: His character ‘Rommy Rolly’ from Luck By Chance will always be my favourite

Cheryl Fegan wrote: I am heart broken. A lovely, generous and wonderful actor, you will be greatly missed.

Greta Martin wrote: Very sad. Wonderful actor. Rest in peace Seema Banerjee Mukherjee wrote: Great actor. He will be missed. RIP. Almighty give strength to his family and friends to bear this irreparable loss.

Manan Sehgal wrote: Gone too soon. Huge loss for the nation, huge loss for the art. Can’t help but remember these lines, he recites in Haider: Dariya bhi main, darakht bhi main, Jhelum bhi main, Chinar bhi main..

Dairbhi hoon, haram bhi hoon.

Shia bhi hoon, Sunni bhi hoon Main hun Pandit..

Main tha, main hoon aur main hi rahoonga To that, we say: “Tumhare Rooh humesha yahin rahegi, Roohdar!”

Renu Dutta wrote: Such a nice soul, will always in our hearts.

Nirupa Prasad wrote: Sad, such a great actor! RIP. Ashok Surati wrote: Sincere condolences to the family.

Michelle Paul wrote: So saddened by this news. RIP Hope Furlong wrote: Seriously is this true?

Aribam Premi wrote: Very sad news. Rest in peace.

Emie Roy wrote: One of my favourite actors! RIP. Hope Furlong wrote again: Life of Pi was so beautiful Chadha Nishtha wrote: He was the best actor. RIP Vikas Reddy wrote: Wonderful actor. Loved him in Piku Mary Francis wrote: May his soul rest in peace Sheela Shivraman wrote: RIP. Really awesome actor Arora Priya Sushant wrote: RIP. Wonderful actor Shweta Kaushal wrote: Exceptional actor!! Very sad.

Priya Patnaik wrote: He left his legacy, so still alive. One of my favourites.

Sanjay Bhosale wrote: May he rest in peace. Taken too soon.

Parag Patel wrote: Rest in Peace.Om shanti.

Sharma Regina Ashleigh Sandra, Deeksha Chopra, Shelly Anand, Navreet Kaur, Navin Khandhar, Sam Gumber, PayalSingde, Arun Kumar Srivastava, Sayoni Dutta, Sonal Bhavani, Sukhwinder Singh and Jaimin Shah also wrote in notes of condolence

WHERE IN INDIA

We asked you to identify this unusual structure.

Reader Hemant Kumar gave the correct answer: Broken Bridge, Chennai.

Built on the Adyar Estuary, it partially collapsed during a bout of bad weather and was never repaired.

POLL Do you think face masks should be made mandatory while stepping out of homes?

No, it makes no difference 30% Yes, as a precautionary tool 70%

SAY IT AGAIN 6 MAY 2020

If anti-vaxxers want an end to the lockdown, then I’m staying home.

Chris Winslow, Twitter user

Australia's plan to end lockdown involves three steps, which is more than I can say for my current exercise regime.

Byron Kaye, Reuters journalist

We are moving towards the end of lockdown but I don’t know how to re-enter society.

I’m walking around like a cat in shoes.

Laura David, comedian

www.indianlink.com.au

SAFE RETURN! Sydney mum Mohana Dhoble told her harrowing tale of reuniting with her kids, 11 and 9, stranded in locked down India.

Shobha Krishnan wrote: Your (true) story shows that a lot of flippant comments are made by the public without actually knowing the facts - so many silent operators have done the job for you! Kudos to the friends and officials who helped you reunite with your kids in time.

Brenda Freebairn wrote: So glad this is someone who appreciates lockdown and hasn’t rubbished the hotel where they are staying for 14 days. No one expected this virus and we all have to do what is right. I’m glad they have their children home with them as a mother I’d be sick with worry if it was my children Judy Pellman wrote: Thank goodness this has a happy ending; I cannot imagine how stressful this must be.

Kandy Shepherd wrote: So glad you got your children home!

Mohana Nirmala Dhoble wrote: Indian Link, thank you for the opportunity to tell my story

CURRY NIGHT AT THE MORRISONS You liked our post about PM Scott Morrison cooking a curry.

Serge Ferrier wrote: Chef de Party! Looks a bit like Heston.

Anju Handa wrote: Wow, good job.

Sandeep Varsani wrote: Family dinner in a commercial kitchen?

Lloyd D'Lima wrote: Sandeep Varsani, good catch!

Krishneel Singh wrote: That's the kitchen in The Lodge, which is the official residence of the PM.

CAPTION CONTEST What’s Arun Govil - aka Lord Ram - thinking as he watches a re-run of Ramayana with his family?

Nikhil Pophale wrote: Kabhi kabhi lagta hai sala apun ich bhagwan hai Tanu Bhatia wrote: That was my previous life. This is a different era.

Pravina Parekh wrote: I look so old now Lloyd D'Lima wrote: What’s Arun Govil thinking? Woh toh Ram hi jaane!

Shayoka Shah wrote: Vo bhi kya din the, jab log meri pooja TV screen par haar, diya, aarti, tika lagakar karte the!

WHO WORE IT BETTER?

JAHNVI KAPOOR OR KRYSTEN RITTER IN JULIEN MACDONALD?

WHERE IN OZ We asked, what is the only known location in Australia where this lovely Morning Glory cloud formation can be predicted and observed on a more or less regular basis?

Reader Francis Dsouza wrote in with the correct answer: The southern part of the Gulf of Carpentaria in Northern Australia is the only known location where it can be predicted and observed on a more or less regular basis due to the configuration of land and sea in the area.

You’ve got to love Australia’s three-step plan to coming out of lockdown.Step 1: we’re going to open up pubs & restaurants.

Step 2: then 3 weeks after that, we’re going to consider opening the other stuff.

Stan Lazarus, Twitter user NATIONAL EDITION

I prefer a few years of recession to a few years of funerals. Let the economy flatline for a while so that I don’t have to.

Rachel K, Twitter user

61% Jahnvi Kapoor

I shall single-handedly revive Australia’s economy once lockdown is lifted by moving into the local pub.

Ross, Twitter user

39% Krysten Ritter

Every phone interview I do now begins with 10 minutes of us mutually acknowledging how lucky we both are to be in Australia and honestly I love it.

Kate Emery, reporter

Why is everybody talking at the same time?

Four-year-old British Indian child in the midst of an intercontinental multigenerational family catch-up on Zoom.

MAY 2020 7

COVID-19

COVID-19: NEW AGENDAS AT WORK

What shifts have you seen in your daily work since the pandemic took hold?

INDIA-AUSTRALIA TRADE DIPEN RUGHANI (CEO, Newland Global Group (NGG) a corporate advisory firm based in Sydney, Australia, which aims at simplifying and strengthening trade and investment between Australia and India).

How far back would you say has COVID taken Aus-India relations?

This is a tough time for nations across the globe, but I choose to believe that each crisis is an opportunity to do the inconceivable. COVID-19 hasn’t pushed our bilateral relationship backwards but may actually have provided an impetus to pull our energies and push the bilateral relations forward to align our strengths and create a dependable partnership.

What will it take to get momentum back?

I actually feel we are sustaining the momentum; the bilateral relationship picked up momentum since the Australian governments release of the ‘India Economic Strategy to 2035’ in 2018, followed by the Trade Minister Simon Birmingham’s visit with the large business delegation to India in February, which will now be followed up with PM Morrison and PM Modi’s virtual summit to happen soon. Regular

communication and engagement are integral to building Australia - India relations driven by positive tangible outcomes.

What have you been doing in this regard in this downtime?

Along with advising companies on strategising doing business in India, a major focus of our work is also on changing the narrative around India, based on facts and realities which is otherwise based on anecdotal assumptions and prejudiced generalisations. NGG has initiated a series of conversations with the best minds in the Australia-India space, to generate informative and educational content. We are also regularly writing and producing reports on strategic sectors and industries e.g. advance manufacturing,

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SIMRAN WADHWA (Currently at home in Lucknow, India)

I

used to live in student accommodation (communal living) and the risk of contracting the virus seemed higher, so I came back home. Now Australia has closed its borders, and I’m uncertain about how my next semester will be. Because everything is online, it’s a new experience altogether but I miss the personal touch of campus or studying in the library. Online education gives you the comfort to work 8 MAY 2020

mining & METS, Edtech, BioTech to name a few. NGG during this time has also initiated the Australia India Webinar Series with varied stakeholders on the impacts of COVID-19 on diverse issues, sectors, institutions and bilateral ties, and focus on temporary to long-term strategies and solutions. The series so far has featured, Former Indian Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu, Amb. Navdeep Suri, Amb. Anil Wadhwa &Amb. Biren Nanda, A Balasubramanian (CEO, Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Ltd) and Prakash Rao (ED, National Investment & Infrastructure Fund). The next webinar edition will be on the Manufacturing opportunity in India, and how Australia-India can build synergies in this sector.

What would you like to happen early when the pandemic restrictions ease?

from where you are though it takes being able to meet people and learning with others.

I am in my last year of my Master of Economics, and it was an important year in my life such as applying for jobs and taking part in internships.Now the job market and the economy have been greatly affected. As an economics student, I completely understand the shock in the economy and the downfall it has to go through. But it has severely impacted my personal career plan and I hope normal life bounces back. For now, I can only enhance my career skills with classes and internships online.

For the rest of the year, I sincerely hope that Australia opens up borders so I can come back and resume campus life and get my career plan back on track. I know

2020 is a year that’s just passing by and not adding much to our personal growth.

I would want life to go back to normal, the economy to bounce back, and all of us to progressively move forward in a direction that benefits everybody.

I was a mental health ambassador for Sydney University Village. I feel everyone’s mental health has been affected by the pandemic in some way, in a greater or lesser context. Everybody is trying to understand why this is happening, and there are plenty of questions in their minds. The solution to those thoughts is to stay calm, keep your faith, try to upskill yourself, use this time wisely, read more books, and gain some knowledge. We can’t meet people, but we can still stay connected with family and friends. I’m sure this, too, shall pass.

I would like to see the release of the Indian government’s Australia Economic Strategy, a report that was slated to release in January this year during PM Morrison’s official visit to India, postponed due to the horrendous bushfires in Australia. Beyond government engagement, I also expect corporate Australia to engage with Indian businesses at a proactive level, and build joint and enabling platforms in areas like Edtech, Healthtech and sectors, which have been hit by COVID-19. The ties should focus on building synergies between Australian technology and Indian skill and demand.

It would be great to see both countries reimagine and redefine this relationship with greater cooperation and collaboration.

www.indianlink.com.au

GENERAL PRACTICE Dr. SUNIL VYAS (Sydney based GP and former head of Australian Indian Medical Graduates Association)

W

ork has been difficult and stressful in recent weeks.

There are new facts we have to deal with weekly, even daily.

Early in the piece we were suddenly confronted by the possibility that thousands will fall sick. How would we cope with patients? With hospitals overwhelmed, how could we as GPs help carrythe burden?

At the practice, there was a big worry

about patients – who could be infected as they walk in?

We quickly developed strategies with the government’s advice – we cut down on our work to minimise exposure; adopted social distancing measures; limited numbers in waiting rooms, all the while

dealing with anxious patients. We got used to telehealth, which was a huge jump from normal - they’vebeen trying to introduce it for years for use in remote areas, but now it’s been put into practice almost overnight. The learning curve has been steep, and while telehealth has its benefits no doubt, as a doctor I still want to see a person in the flesh.

Early on, we tested only overseas returnees, and those that have been in contact with infected others. Now, the strategy is to get everyone tested, and there are clinics to which we direct patients straight away; pathology companies can test now, and there are drive-through clinics.

Regarding our own exposure – we were initially very worried, when we observed trends in Europe and US. Most of my family are in medicine and many are in the forefront so there have been concerns.

As weeks passed though, with lockdown and restrictions, the general public came on board really well. The strategy has been successful – we are an island continent,

yes, but we also managed the health crisis well. Politicians came together across divisions, across states, and medical officers ensured their message got heard.

I’m very proud of Australia; I think we deserve congratulations. We’ve missed the bullet. The UK for instance has recorded 30,000 deaths, to Australia’s 97.

No doubt much financial investment has gone into quarantine and testing and ensuring economic stability for citizens, but it made a vast difference – and it is because of that that we are in a good position.

Still, we need to be cautious and vigilant. Don’t take anything for granted.

As restrictions ease, more cases may come up.

I’m cautiously optimistic. Much work is going into the development of vaccine and in treatment, and a cure will come up. Think of it like HIV –it was a death sentence once, but now there is treatment.

In the meantime, follow the advice being given, it’s saved us a disaster.

Oh, and download the app.

NURSING HARVINDER (ROSY) BHAGAT (Nominated for Nurse of the Year on International Nurses Day 2020)

I

’ve been a nurse for 25 years and it has been a very satisfying experience. I feel blessed that I am able to help the sick and the elderly. At this time when the entire world is depending on the medical and nursing profession to provide selfless care, I feel proud to be an essential worker.

I thought the nursing life would be all about acute medicine and surgery, however realised very soon, it is all about care in any setting. I was prepared to step up if required as a frontline worker in this pandemic, and help to the best of my ability. In our profession there is always some form of exposure and risk involved so I was mentally prepared to risk exposure as long as I had appropriate PPE. I was certainly not actively seeking it, but prepared for it. It can be physically and emotionally challenging at times, but is very fulfilling.

Fortunately Victoria has managed to flatten the curve with the correct measures in place to combat this virus, but the future is still uncertain and it is very important to continue being careful, sanitizing and maintaining social distance and getting tested to ensure community safety and health.

I don't think anyone can easily predict the next few months. This COVID-19 uncertainty will continue and people will continue to be at risk, so now is certainly not the time to take the foot off the pedal.

For me personally, caring for the frail and sick has made me more appreciative of looking after mine and my family's health.

I don't think there is anyone who is not affected by this pandemic in some way or the other, be it physically or psychologically, even financially. We need to maintain positivity and keep calm. There is absolutely no benefit in panicking or over thinking this.

I do think some changes in lifestyle will become permanent. Social distancing and hygienic practices will become a new way of life. People will focus more inwards than outwards, which is a good thing, I think.

NATIONAL EDITION

MAY 2020 9

COVID-19

CHILD CARE OPERATOR

UBER

TASHIKA SETIA

W

ork during the ongoing pandemic has been stressful, hectic and challenging, even depressing.

We were not prepared at all for such a situation. Never thought financially and emotionally it could take so much toll on the business.

If we didn’t have Job Keeper, we would have closed doors and our 40-plus staff would have lost their jobs too.

Thankfully, kids and staff under our care are all well – there’s been no sickness (touch wood). We clean our centres thoroughly everyday, we are extra extra cautious, and maintain social distancing as much as we can.

Our industry has had major changes, with free childcare. But eventually, all the supportive measures will be lifted and the true picture will be revealed. We will find out how many (clients) are actually in the work force, how many have lost hours etc.

We are estimating that the business will decline by 50%.

It has affected us personally too.

Absolutely. There’s loss of income, and all future projects delayed too. You put your heart and soul into your business to bring it to where it is and then this happens. It’s not going to be easy in the near future, for sure.

Some changes in lifestyle might will become permanent. Social distancing and sanitising measures will be a part of our lifestyle. Restrictions will be eased a bit but still I think people will be cautious and not take basic hygiene lightly (like washing hands).

When restrictions ease a bit more in the short-term, work will be stressful as it will be hard to accommodate all staff while there might be a significant drop in the number of children enrolled. We will miss our beautiful families and budget will be tight too due to lack of income.

NIKHIL KALIA

I

t was early March when we began to hear about COVID with increasing regularity, but life continued more or less normal. It was when the Melbourne Grand Prix was cancelled that it hit home; it’s a different story now, I remember thinking.

I got extra cautious about cleanliness, kept sanitisers in the car etc, but it was no use. There was just no one around – people were working from home, or had begun to lose their jobs, and were just not going out in the evenings or to clubs and cinemas and sport on the weekends. It became very very hard for me.

All of a sudden, I lost 90% of my work.

I would drive maybe for one hour, in my usual twelve-hour shift. I was making $300-$400 daily as a full-time driver, sometimes even $500. I came down to $50- $100.

I don’t see things getting better in the next four to five months.

I’ve now moved to an online marketing role at Coles, and luckily more and more work is coming from there. Will I go back to Uber when things settle down?

Probably not.

10 MAY 2020

NURSING SONIA BHATIA

B

eing a nurse is not a profession for the fainthearted. Nurses deal with life, death, and everything in between. But the job is also considered to be one of the most respected, satisfying, in-demand, secure, and overall best jobs in healthcare.

And yet regarding COVID-19, to be honest, I was not prepared for anything like this. My training has taught me that nurses should not be scared to take on the challenges.

With the appropriate training and all my clinical experience, it really helped me in the current situation What are we expecting in the next few months? There are a number of possible futures, all dependent on how governments and society respond to the coronavirus and its

economic aftermath. Hopefully, we will use this crisis to rebuild, produce something better and more humane.

It has affected me personally as there are so many reasons to feel anxious regarding COVID-19.

There’s anxiety about patients' health, but also the possibility of infecting family members, and the financial impact of the pandemic.

This worldwide pandemic has brought with it public health crises, global economic upheaval and widespread uncertainty. I feel that even when the acute threat of COVID-19 passes, things will not return completely to normal. The virus and the economic tumult that accompanies it are transformative events and will likely change lifestyle and financial choices for every generation.

www.indianlink.com.au

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COMMUNITY MELAS Dr. ARUN SHARMA (Founder of Celebrate India, award-winning community platform that organises Victoria’s leading Diwali event)

A

s a medical practitioner, I’m seeing long days, and it has been very tiring. There have been plenty of concerns But personally I feel positive, and that it will all work out, but slowly.

The government is gradually relaxing lockdown but I think people’s confidence will take time to come back up. If all goes well, perhaps we’ll see a turnaround by year end, barring any circumstances like a second wave.

Regarding the Mela scene, we’re in an unknown situation, with no parameters with which we can compare and assess! For us it will be a wait and watch affair.

These are challenging times but I like to look at it as an opportunity to be

innovative. There could be a variety of options for community celebrations - there are many creative ways of getting the community involved. Use social media, for instance. At Celebrate India we are lucky we have some experience in that, having adopted social media as a platform for community participation from way back. It will probably play a larger role this year. In fact, we’ve already begun an activity online.

We’ve figured that people want to have fun. Restrictions are all well and good, we’ll just create new platforms to enjoy!

If it all opens up, we’ll put up a show definitely, however small.

If we can’t, then next year, rest assured, there will be plenty more oomph in our Diwali celebration.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT RHEA L NATH (Currently in Sydney)

B

ecause of the time difference with classes and general travel logistics, I decided not to go back home and I’m continuing my online semester from my student accommodation in Sydney. I’m not sure if I enjoy the online semester when so much of my degree (Master of Media Practice) involves going out, talking to people, and hands-on work with equipment. With everyone in their homes, those exciting elements have been lost. I’d like to believe that the next semester will resume on-campus so that we can get back to the Aussie student experience.

I’ve been able to continue my part-time work as a journalist while working from home, and I recognize that I’m part of a minority of students (especially international students) who can say that. Thankfully, previous internship experiences back in India also equipped me with the ability to work remotely, so this wasn’t such a shock. I admit that there’s sometimes a nagging worry of ‘what will happen in another 2-3 months?’ but I’m choosing to think positively.

My understanding of productivity has certainly changed in the last two months. I’ve learnt to measure it differently by taking the process along with the outcome into consideration. I’ve understood more about myself as a student and learner, and I’ve been coming up with ‘hacks’ to break out of my own laziness.

This introspection might not have happened if I wasn’t stuck in my room every day.

Regarding mental health, I’ve always had to reconcile with some aspects of anxiety, and this period has helped me understand where they stem from, when they are triggered, and what I can do about it. I’ve learnt to be kinder on myself, such as allowing some days where I don’t ‘need’ to do anything at all. It’s a much healthier perspective.

I would like to say that things should go back to ‘normal’ before the pandemic, but we’d be amiss if we didn’t acknowledge potential lessons from the self-isolation, such as normalizing work from home or mental health days. I’d rather say I’d like things to just get better. The next semester is my final semester at university, and it would be great to enjoy those final months on-campus. Much before the pandemic, I had considered going home for the winter break (that’s not happening now) and I had loved ones who were going to visit Australia for the first time to come see me. I’d love for those experiences to still be possible.

NATIONAL EDITION

MAY 2020 11

WELLNESS

Aru with Starlight captains

Bringing cheer to sick children

How Starlight Children’s Foundation helped make hospital comfortable for Aru Rathod BY TARINI PURI

W

hen you see your child singing and dancing in a hospital environment, it’s a stressbuster for us as parents too, says Smital Patel, mother of Aradhya (Aru) Rathod.

Her daughter’s hospital visits have been made joyful by Starlight Children’s Foundation through Captain Starlight and other hospital services.

Aru is a bubbly three-year-old who has lived in and out of Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital since she was six months old, first admitted with a collapsed lung. Her heart was only functioning at eight per cent.

“The shock (of the diagnosis) was unimaginable,” Smital recalls. “Aru was born perfectly healthy and suddenly she needed life-saving surgery.”

The family discovered Captain Starlight and the Starlight Express room in the hospital when they stayed there for six heartbreaking months, waiting for Aru’s heart transplant. When Aru was first moved into the ward, Captain Starlight’s room visit brought a beaming smile to her face – a big relief considering she was plugged into life-saving equipment and limited in her mobility.

Not long before her first birthday, Aru underwent life-saving transplant surgery.

Following her surgery, Aru still requires weekly specialist care in hospital. Treatment complications have led her to develop a food aversion so now she is tube-fed. She is also currently undergoing treatment for post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) – a rare complication of solid organ transplants.

“Our life is centered around the hospital,” 12 MAY 2020

Aru with her parents

Aru with her dad

Smital reveals. “I can’t work anymore as describes. “Aru is usually cooperative I need to take care of Aru. My husband through even the toughest procedures Kiran Singh Rathod is our sole bread earner because she knows it will be followed by a which limits us. Hospital is our new trip to the Starlight Express Room. normal.”

I also get involved with the With hospital consuming activities, and however their lives, they are painful the medical thankful for the little procedure or drug moments of happiness infusion may have that help them been, as soon as all cope with the Aru sees Captain relentless strain and Starlight, her face worry. lights up and she Starlight does an forgets the pain. The amazing job of taking mood is uplifted for all the stress away from of us.”

Aru in hospital Aru’s hospital stays. Aru Smital says Starlight has loves visiting the Starlight such a positive impact on their Express Room to play with Captain lives, she can’t imagine hospital Starlight and do art and crafts. The family without the fun and happiness Captain affectionately call it her “treat” after Starlight brings. treatment, and love that the room has Starlight Children’s Foundation is something for children of all ages. currently attempting to raise funds “They have everything from toys to books to be able to continue delivering fun to board and electronic games,” Smital and happiness to the seriously ill and

hospitalised children around Australia. In these challenging times, sick kids are more vulnerable than ever. It is vital that Starlight raises $355,500 by June 30 to urgently bring happiness to immune-compromised children like Aru. To donate, please visit starlight.org. au/tax Since its establishment in 1988, Starlight is the broadest reaching children’s charity in Australia. There is a Starlight Express Room in every children’s hospital in the country and over 180 Captain Starlights nationwide.

CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation, Louise Baxter, says, “Happiness is critical to a sick child’s development and to building resilience. Being seriously ill shouldn’t mean missing out on the fun of childhood, especially when evidence shows happiness helps kids bounce back after going through tough times”.

In 2019, Starlight granted 500 lifechanging wishes and also delivered over 610,000 positive Starlight experiences to seriously ill children, young people and their families.

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Bella Vista 8883 0055 Castle Hill 9659 6433 0470 687 768 Auburn Bankstown 0477 053 053 Blacktown 9621 7711 Campsie 9789 2676

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Chatswood 9411 4564 Eastwood 9874 8801 9869 8002 Epping Girraween 0469 872 857 0433 422 499 Gordon 0411 332 209 Gosford

9987 2248 Hornsby Lidcombe 8034 4635 Liverpool 0431 770 867 Merrylands 0481 752 073 Newington 9648 0377 Parramatta 0410 783 260

Pennant Hills 0411 305 516 Revesby 0451 577 008 Ryde 0490 088 626 Strathfield 9764 2002 St. Marys 0430 139 138 Mount Waverley 0424 574 398

MAY 2020 13

FIRST PERSON

When your kids are stranded in locked down India Sydney mum MOHANA DHOBLÉ recounts the harrowing tale of how she was reunited with her children, 11 and 9

W

The Dhoble-Iyers: Kannan, Om, Aanya and Mohana

14 MAY 2020

hen I watched international travellers to Australia being escorted by the army straight into quarantine hotels in Sydney, I chuckled to myself and said, “Oh the poor things!”. Little did I imagine we’d be those ‘poor things’ in a week!

My children, Aanya and Om, both under 12 years, study at a boarding school in India. About a month ago their school closed for summer holidays. They were supposed to fly to Sydney with my parents, but we cancelled the travel due to the COVID-19 situation; my parents, both over 65, recently had heart surgery.

We didn’t want to risk exposure for them during international travel. Meanwhile, all of India went into lockdown. Our children were stuck in Mumbai for over a month.

We hadn’t seen them in five months, and we couldn’t figure out a way to bring them to us with no international flights and the risk of exposing them to infection.

Then I read a Facebook announcement about a special charter flight from Mumbai to Melbourne to bring stranded Australians home. I was told this might be the only flight from Mumbai to Australia for months to come. For the next couple of days, my husband Kannan and I made frantic calls and sent emails back and forth to make the necessary arrangements. Understandably, the charter company, Monarc Global, wouldn’t accept unaccompanied minors at this time. This flight was our only hope of bringing our children home to Sydney during an especially challenging time for the world. Out of sheer desperation, I put out a message on the WhatsApp group for this flight – would a lady or couple travelling on the flight please agree to escort our children?

We were desperate to have the kids home given the current COVID-19 situation overall, but I wasn’t convinced it was safe to get the children on the flight because: (1) I was worried about the exposure they’d have due to international travel; in fact I was paranoid they’d catch the coronavirus (2) I was very nervous about them travelling with a stranger (3) There’s a full lockdown in India and even getting to the airport would pose a major challenge with special permits to be arranged. However, my husband was convinced we needed to get them home, no matter what. I decided to lay aside my apprehensions and go with his conviction – I would watch for signs that would guide me.

As luck would have it, Kannan’s friend

Saisha Verma replied to my WhatsApp message – she was on the same flight and offered to escort our children home. Our hearts leaped with joy! Meanwhile another friend organised the necessary permits in Mumbai, so he could escort them to the airport. Within a span of a few hours, things were falling into place. All signs told us, ‘it’s time to do this!’

Less than 48 hours prior to the flight’s departure, we were informed it would now land in Adelaide. This meant a new challenge – SA has its own rules and its borders are closed.

The phone at the Australian High Commission, New Delhi, (we guessed should be our first point of contact for help) went unanswered. By a sheer stroke of luck, I chanced upon the mobile number for the High Commissioner, which was answered by a Consulate staff member.

She took my details and promised to help.

To us, this was the first sign of help from the Australian government, although our Group coordinators were constantly in touch with the High Commission to get things organised. The High Commission issued us a letter authorising our children’s travel to Mumbai airport with our friend, but it was completely up to us to obtain permits necessary for this travel from Mumbai Police. Miraculously our friend Jayvardhan Diwan managed to do this in Mumbai, without which the children couldn’t have reached the airport.

With less than one working day left before the flight departed from Mumbai, we frenetically called SA Health, SA Police, COVID 19 helpline, DFAT, whoever we could think might be useful. Unfortunately, there was no information available on how to go about the process and whom to approach. We had to fire many shots in the dark before finding the right authorities to help us. This was most frustrating, time consuming and discouraging at a time when time wasn’t on our side. On the SA Police helpline, one woman was particularly unhelpful and rude – she had me in tears of desperation. I realised I needed to approach a much higher authority. Luckily, I had the number of the office of the Police Commissioner, SA. I called them, severely distressed. Once I reached the Commissioner’s office, things quickly changed gears. The officer (James) empathised with me, telling me he was a father of two little kids and knew exactly what I must be going through. I can never forget his words, “Leave it with me, I’ll

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Om and Aanya with Saisha Verma, who escorted them on the flight

SA Health Nurse taking a nasal swab of Om for COVID 19 testing

work this out for you”. Within minutes, Inspector David Scutchings called and was on the job!

Being international passengers, the children were to quarantine at a hotel in Adelaide for 14 days. How would they do this by themselves? I rang the office of the CEO of SA Health and insisted on speaking to a decision-making authority.

SA Health were absolutely wonderful and most helpful. The Chief Public Health Officer of SA, Nicola Spurrier and her team called us at 8:45 pm to figure out the best option for our family. They’ve been working tirelessly to help returning citizens.

Things moved rather rapidly and efficiently since. We drove 1,400 km from Sydney to Adelaide, to quarantine with

our children at Hotel Playford for 14 days. We couldn’t step out of our room, but we didn’t feel we were ‘poor things’ – the pain of being in quarantine was completely overshadowed by the sweet reunion with our children. Our contact at SA Health, Monique, a wonderful lady and a thorough professional, helped us get two adjacent rooms so Kannan could work uninterrupted during business hours. The staff at Playford Hotel were wonderful and very helpful too.

It’s taken lots of help from friends and strangers, officials and volunteers and a whole army of people working on the frontline and behind the scenes to get this organised. We can’t even begin to thank each person who worked very hard to reunite our family.

Om and Aanya on the charter flight from Mumbai to Adelaide

A FEW POINTS TO NOTE • The entire effort to make this and some other flights from India possible has been coordinated and organised by volunteers. We haven’t met any of them, but these strangers have our deepest gratitude and respect. They worked relentlessly, sleeping only a few hours to get our loved ones home. Simon Quinn, Kimberley McLean (@barefoot_bliss), Owen Blackwell, RushabhAshar, Shubi Goyal and Amol are the only names I know. ‘Thank you’ isn’t good enough to express the gratitude of hundreds of

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people on that flight. You’re all rockstars, and deserve to be nominated for ‘Order of Australia’, for serving your fellow citizens so well • SA Health and SA Police have been super efficient, going above and beyond to help us • Monarc Global, the charter company, I understand, has worked on this operation with minimal margins, simply focussing on helping bring fellow Australians home • It is very inappropriate to use the term

‘mercy flights’. All of us have paid about 4 times the normal one-way ticket price (as they’re charter flights) – the government hasn’t paid a cent for these flights.

• The Australian High Commission too have worked relentlessly and tirelessly to bring Australians home. However, citizens were left to their own devices to arrange for permissions and permits required within India – no Indian cop is going to recognise a letter from the Australian High Commission. They

must work more closely with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate the process and truly close the loop for stranded citizens • My takeaway: the usual helplines are thoroughly useless in such circumstances. You need to figure out how to get through to the powers-that-be, and then things start happening. The helplines are unfortunately managed by staff who simply read out a rule book to you and are completely averse to making any exceptions.

MAY 2020 15

REPATRIATION

YOU’RE THE REASON WE FLY Photos: Zlatko Varenina

Melbourne-based Qantas flight attendant Zlatko Varenina on bringing stranded Australians back home

BY PREETI JABBAL

T

he patriotic strains of Peter Allen’s I still call Australia home tugged at the heart strings, striking resonance and relevance for the 180 Australians returning from India aboard QF7022, one of Qantas Airline’s first repatriation flights from New Delhi to Sydney.

It was a sense of homecoming so strong that it was palpable, according to Business & First Class Flight Attendant Zlatko Varenina. Everyone on the flight broke into applause when the iconic lines were played as part of Qantas campaign during the inflight safety and instructions video.

“In my whole career I have never seen anyone clapping at that song,” shared Zlatko. “At that moment I felt the love and appreciation of every single passenger and the great sense of relief at finally heading to the safety and comfort of home.

Everyone clapped again when the plane touched down in Sydney on 8 May 2020 at 10:48am.”

Zlatko volunteered to travel to Delhi and previously Lima - to bring stranded Australians home amidst the ongoing 16 MAY 2020

Coronavirus pandemic.

He spoke to Indian Link about what prompted him to put his hand up to fly when many refused, and the extraordinary experience of being part of this mammoth repatriation effort.

Zlatko feels strongly about bringing people back to their loved ones because his own mother was stuck in Germany due to disrupted global travel and tight lockdowns, and it was a ‘nightmare’ for him and his family to get her home.

After hours and weeks of phone calls, emails, permissions and visa formalities he was able to get his mum on a flight to Melbourne.

Zlatko and his partner are also currently hosting two Indian dancers who are stuck in Melbourne with no indication on when they will be reunited with their family in India.

“I know the pain and suffering when things are not in your control and I want to help where I can,” he said when asked about his decision to volunteer despite the risk.

Zlatko clearly embodies that old Qantas tagline, You’re the reason we fly.

While there were concerns from loved ones about his proposed travels, Zlatko was able to bring them round as he went through the additional training, long briefings and strict medical procedures and other measures that Qantas had in place to ensure safety and wellbeing of

passengers and crew.

Recounting his experience in India, Zlatko said the airport was dark and empty and the wait to get to their hotel was very long, but he is quite familiar with India, having travelled there many times with his Indian partner. So he waited patiently till all the arrival and customs procedures were completed.

After the departure formalities and temperature checks they were taken in a bus to their hotels where they had to stay till the flight took off next day. The 787 Dreamliner did not take any passengers to India, other than the cabin crew and support staff. On the way back it only operated the economy section while the front of the business class section was allocated to the cabin crew.

Protective masks and gloves were worn by most of the passengers and staff except little children. “The flight surprisingly had 21 infants on board, an unusually large number, more babies in flight than I have seen in my entire flying career,” described Zlatko.“There were a lot of young couples on board, predominantly from Indian background.”

He added, “Everyone seemed happy to be flying home. Even the babies created little or no fuss and majority of the passengers requested vegetarian meals.

When I said Sat Sri Akal or Namaste or

spoke in limited Hindi to some of the elderly passengers, I received lovely comments of surprise and blessings from them.”

Zlatko has a Croatian heritage but grew up in Germany and has lived in Melbourne for the last 20 years. He worked for Lufthansa Reservations and Qantas Business Travel prior to getting his dream role taking to the skies travelling to multiple destinations around the world.

His partner Sam and he have many close Indian friends. He is a proud Indophile but this trip to India will remain his most cherished memory.

“Going to Lima and Delhi was incredibly emotional, to see so many Australians desperate to be back home. I felt as if I was rescuing them from the battlefield and providing them shelter. These were the proudest moments of my whole career and I will be ready to help in the blink of an eye again if required,” said Zlatko with conviction.

Every time Zlatko travels, he needs to quarantine himself. These last few months have been a series of unfamiliar hotel rooms, countless lonely Uber Eats meals and limited contact with loved ones. The proud wing bearer, however, is still happily looking forward to flying back to Delhi again to bring another lot of Australian citizens safely back home.

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Quiet Melb airport

Empty flight to Delh

Overnight pass

Passengers arrive

Passengers check in

High Commissioner oversees arrangements

Boarding

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Arriving in Delhi

Service inflight

Zlatko’s selfie (Lima)

MAY 2020 17

ADVENTURE

A different kind of isolation

An epic marine adventure: Sydney girl Divya Gordon, an extreme sports enthusiast, spends three months isolating at sea

A FRESH START

Sydney and began seeking volunteer work to further develop her photography and videography skills, including “eyeopening” experience with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. That cause was particularly close to Divya, whose grandparents on her mother’s side were Sindhi refugees during Partition in 1947.

As work started rolling in, Divya was soon supporting herself solely through her film and videography work, despite never studying it. “It’s a dynamic, amazing, constantly evolving industry,” she remarks.

“It’s really subjective. The point is to have a mind that doesn’t just deal in business – I need to reframe my mind, exist in the world, take stimulus and just create. Film is really unique for that.”

Divya’s interest in film and her reputation for adventure led to an invitation that would change her life.

“I’m a little bit wild,” laughs Divya, an avid fan of extreme sports. “I don’t like working in an office 9 to 5. I like my autonomy and I much prefer the instability of that to having to go into an office every day.” It’s a creative streak that runs in the blood, with artists and musicians scattered across Divya’s extended family.

After an initial tilt at a new career in Spain in 2017 (which she now labels as a “terrible” idea), Divya returned to

Enter Dean Cropp, an award-winning cinematographer and producer known as the Barefoot Captain, who has made a name capturing and producing ocean adventure content and whose videography skills Divya anoints as “unlike anyone else when it comes to shooting what he’s shooting”. Dean’s latest project is a threemonth long sailing expedition following

BY RITAM MITRA

I

t is said that the danger of adventure is worth a thousand days of ease and comfort. It’s a philosophy that has long driven Divya Gordon, a videographer and producer who recently set sail on a three-month long expedition in the hope of finding and capturing some of Australia’s most remote marine locations. Exploring the most beautiful untouched parts of the region with a small group of adventurers and filmmakers, Divya’s escape into isolation has been equal parts dramatic and unlikely.

Divya describes hers as a “classic Indian story”, though over time it has rapidly transformed into one that is anything but typical. After graduating from Pymble Ladies College in Sydney’s north shore, where she excelled in visual arts, Divya was strongly encouraged by her father to study business at university. Despite aspiring to study political economics and arts, Divya followed her father’s advice to complete a commerce degree at UTS, and looks back on university as a ‘miserable’ affair. “It was the most unfulfilling thing 18 MAY 2020

ever having to study business and knowing it wasn’t me,” she says.

Starting out as a qualitative researcher, Divya admits it took some time to come to grips with her reality. “I really struggled in the corporate world when I was younger. I reached a point where I realised that this is my life, and this isn’t where I want my mind to develop. It was always niggling in the back of my mind that when I gain enough clout in [the business] world, I want to try and do something for myself”.

Divya’s dream became clear: to combine her penchant for creativity and adventure

with her passion for altruism.

THE EXPEDITION

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in the footsteps of his adventurer father, chasing the most remote marine locations and capturing every minute of the journey.

Divya was invited to join this expedition as a cameraperson and assistant editor on just two days’ notice. In a twist of fate, the invitation came as the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic were beginning to ravage Divya’s upcoming videography jobs, with weddings, international conferences and other events being universally cancelled.

The prospect was three months at sea with scant food, bouts of seasickness, rolling cameras and poor sleep – all with six (mostly) strangers. It’s the stuff of nightmares to many, yet for Divya, who had never even dived before, it was a no-brainer.

“It was earth shattering, one of the most life-changing adventures you could ever imagine”, she says. “It’s incredible to have now swam with sharks and seals and stingrays, innumerable creatures. It’s a whole other world. Even at night, looking out at the stars and the water, it’s like you’re in the middle of the universe. You don’t know where the sky ends and the water begins.

“And the weightlessness of diving – just imagine walking through 3D space and NATIONAL EDITION

gravity is suspended, and you can move in any direction. But it’s also terrifying, because anything can come up at you from any direction.” Divya and her crewmates experienced that terror when, while diving and shooting in open waters, they sighted a tiger shark, which later bit the back of the boat once they were back aboard.

“Getting back in the water after that was terrifying. I was thinking, ‘Can I really do this?’ But we were back in the water the very next day,” she says.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF ISOLATION As the rest of Australia isolated at home, so did Divya and her crewmates, albeit adrift and alone at sea. While their isolation was idyllic in some ways, it came at a cost.

“There’s a sense of security I didn’t realise I was missing. We took turns being helmsmen [steering the boat]. We were doing early morning and late-night shifts, so sleep was always interrupted, and it turns into a bit of a nightmare. We also had to be frugal with our water usage. When I cooked curry everyone’s reaction was so bad – curry is great, but when you’re barely stomaching normal food, it’s not great! You

get very sick, and seasickness makes you almost comatose for days.”

Divya notes, “There was a survival element to our isolation. We ran out of fresh food in the first two weeks, and we had frozen food, but that ran out in the last week, so we were down to just canned food. We also fished for fresh fish. That survival element bonds you to the people you’re around - you prove to yourself that you can go without, and that you can go a little bit further than other people go. It’s incredibly empowering and connecting”.

The things Divya missed most from solid ground? Fresh bananas (given the strict no bananas on board policy), and the ability to walk more than 10 metres in a straight line.

A SENSE OF PERSPECTIVE Divya reflects on her experience with an acute sense of self-awareness and perspective that often accompanies adventure, expressing particular gratitude to Dean Cropp, Wesley Nelson, Louis Piazz and The Story Mill. “I am so lucky. Being a freelancer is a struggle and honestly it still is, but experiences like this enrich me far more than money and a traditional career could. It’s been

incredible to have this opportunity and create something out of it. Working with different kinds of camera angles, different types of cameras – it’s creation on the fly, you have to create a story and make something consumable.”

While Divya’s mother – a lawyer who Divya describes as “very creative” herself – has always been hugely supportive of Divya’s ambitions, Divya’s father has also started coming around on her career change. “I give Dad the best stories to share with his golf buddies,” laughs Divya.

“He’s concerned for me and that’s where the struggle comes from. It’s about proving to him and to myself that I’m trying to be sensible in life, and that it’s going to be worthwhile. I know he’s proud.”

Divya concludes with some simple career advice: “Just back yourself. You have nothing to prove to anyone but yourself.

You have to decide for yourself what you want to do with your 9 to 5, and if it’s not what you’re currently doing, move on and don’t look back”.

Episodes featuring Divya’s expedition can be found at: www.youtube.com/barefootcaptain Instagram @barefootcaptain MAY 2020 19

20 MAY 2020

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IMAGE BY BAREFOOT CAPTAIN (Camera Phantom 3 Pro) youtube.com/barefootcaptain MAY 2020 21

INDIAN NEWS New Jersey surgeon Dr Satyendra Khanna and his daughter nephrologist Dr Priya Khanna, who lost their lives as they treated others for COVID-19.

Indian-American father-daughter doctor duo taken by COVID-19 Two Indian-American doctors, a father and daughter, have died of COVID-19 after contracting the disease while treating infected patients in New Jersey, USA. Dr Satyendra Dev Khanna and Dr Priya Khanna were hailed by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy for their selfless dedication in caring for others.

Murphy said that the Dr Khannas “dedicated their lives to helping others and we lost both of them to COVID-19”. They were part of a family of five doctors, and Murphy said of the three survivors, “I hope that the fact that our entire state mourns with them is some small comfort.”

Satyendra Khanna was a pioneering doctor and was among the first surgeons to perform laparoscopic surgery in New Jersey, the Governor added. He had worked as head of surgical departments for decades at several hospitals and died at Clara Mass Medical Center where he had worked for more than 35 years, Murphy said.

The 78-year-old had graduated from Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi in 1964. His colleagues remembered him as “a gentle and caring physician”.

According to Kaiser Health News, Priya Khanna’s sister had put out an appeal on Twitter: “Plasma donor needed urgently for my beautiful young sister who dedicated her life to helping others,” and a donor was found within a day. But she died on April 13 and her father followed on April 21.

Priya Khanna, 43, was a nephrologist, who had received her medical degree from Kansas City School of Medicine in 2003.

Murphy said that she was the medical director at two dialysis centres and also trained doctors.

He said she was “taking pride in teaching the next generation of doctors. And it should be noted that the ICU (intensive care unit) physician who cared for her was trained and taught by her as well. Priya will be remembered as a caring and selfless person who put others first.”

Murphy said that he had spoken to Komlish Khanna, the wife of Satyendra Khanna, to condole their deaths.

Two other daughters of Komlish and Satyendra Khanna are also doctors.

22 MAY 2020

Sugandha Khanna is an emergency doctor, and Anisha Khanna is a paediatrician.

DRDO develops devices to sanitise phones, currency notes The Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a premier laboratory of Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), has developed an automated contactless UVC sanitising cabinet. It can sanitise mobile phones, iPads, laptops, currency notes, cheques, challans, passbooks, and paper.

RCI developed the Defence Research Ultraviolet Sanitiser (DRUVS) as part of the DRDO based in Hyderabad. DRDO said that DRUVS Cabinet has a contactless operation which is very important to contain the spread of virus. The proximity sensor switches clubbed with drawer opening and closing mechanism makes its operation automatic and contactless.

The DRUVS provides 360-degree exposure of UVC to the objects placed inside the cabinet. Once the sanitisation is done, the system goes in sleep mode, hence the operator need not wait or stand near the device, said a statement.

RCI has also developed an automated UVC currency sanitising device called NOTESCLEAN. Bundles of currency notes can be sanitised using DRUVS, however disinfection of each currency note using it, will be a time-consuming process. For that purpose, a sanitising technique has been developed, where one has to just place the loose currency notes at the input slot of the device. It picks the notes one by one and makes them pass through a series of UVC lamps for complete disinfection, it said.

Rating India’s COVID tracker app: MIT Tech Review India’s AarogyaSetu tracker app has been given 2 out of 5 points by researchers at MIT Technology Review who compared the COVID-19 tracker apps of 25 countries.

The findings of contact-tracing apps were based on their enforcement, handling of data, privacy and transparency dynamics across the world.

The Aarogya Setu app currently has nearly 100 million users. It scored positively on the timely deletion of user data and collection of only useful data but "failed

to score on voluntary use, limitations of data usage, and transparency", said MIT Technology Review. Their database shows that India's app is unique in a number of other ways, too.

"Many countries are developing limited services that use Bluetooth or GPS to give ‘exposure notifications' to people who have interacted with someone found to have COVID-19. India's app, though, is a massive all-in-one undertaking that far exceeds what most other countries are building," said the report.

AarogyaSetu also offers access to telemedicine, an e-pharmacy, and diagnostic services. It is whitelisted by all Indian telecom companies, so using it does not count against mobile data limits.

Earlier this month, the app’s developers assured users that it is completely safe while reacting to an ethical hacker's claim that a security issue has been found.

Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said that AarogyaSetu has alerted the government about more than 650 hotspots across the country which could have been missed otherwise.

Kant also claimed that the app, which has now been made mandatory for all government employees, alerted them about 300+ emerging hotspots which helped the government take swift action.

AarogyaSetu is a COVID-19 tracking mobile application developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) that comes under India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Three Indian photojournalists win Pulitzer Prize for J&K news coverage Three Indian journalists of the Associated Press have been awarded the 2020 Pulitzer Price for Feature Photography. They won for their coverage of Jammu and Kashmir after its special status under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution was revoked last year.

The names of the prize winners Dar Yasin, Mukhtar Khan, and Channi Anand were announced virtually by Pulitzer board administrator Dana Canedy in a livestream on Youtube. They were commended for “revealing the turmoil and plight of the Kashmiri people”.

While Yasin and Khan are journalists based in Srinagar, Anand is based in Jammu. Their news coverage included images of protests, police action, and daily life in Jammu and Kashmir. AP’s president and CEO Gary Pruitt called their work “important and superb”, thanking them for giving the world a glimpse into the struggle in the region.

“Thank you colleagues, friends, brothers.

I would just like to say thank you for standing by us always. It is an honour and a privilege beyond any we could have ever imagined. It is overwhelming to receive this honour," said Yasin on Twitter.

In a statement by the news agency, they described the struggles of reporting in Jammu and Kashmir when phone and internet services were shut down. They explained that they had to sometimes hide cameras in vegetable bags and ask travellers to carry out photo files with them to submit to the agency’s office in New Delhi.

Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir congratulated them on Twitter: "It's been a difficult year for journalists in Kashmir & that's saying something considering the last 30 years haven't exactly been easy. Congratulations to @daryasin, @muukhtark_khan& @ channiap on this prestigious award. More power to your cameras.”

The Pulitzer Price is considered the most prestigious award in the field of journalism.

Other winners in the photojournalism category this year include Reuters’ photography staff for their coverage of the Hong Kong protests.

365 poems, 279 poets, 34 languages in Gulzar's 'A Poem a Day' magnum opus This truly is a litterateur's delight, as Gulzar, one of India's leading poets, as also a highly respected script writer and film director, serves up a treasure trove of 365 poems, one for every day of the year, written by 279 poets in 34 languages written over the seven decades of Independence and appearing in English and Hindustani. He describes it as his "tribute" in the "difficult times we are going through", to the "many languages of India that happen to be local yet form a part of our national identity".

The selection in the humongous 976-page A Poem a Day, to be published by Harper Collins in July, has been personally chosen

by Gulzar himself, and features the works of poets from the north, south, west and east of India, as well as the northeast, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan, presenting kaleidoscopic view of history, human experience and poetic expression since 1947.

The book began "as a thought - why not have a poem to read for every day of the year, selected from the wonderful Indian

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LOCKDOWN Indian navy ship (INS) Jalashwa, deployed for ‘Operation Samudra Setu’, enters Kochi harbour, India, on 10 May 2020. The ship had sailed from the Maldives on 08 May carrying 689 stranded Indian nationals post completion of COVID-19 screening. INS Jalashwa, based at Visakhapatnam, has been at the forefront of similar evacuation efforts of Indian nationals and major humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts of the Indian Navy.

Photo: AP

poetry that has been written since 1947?

I started with some of my favourite poets, but almost before I knew it, we had poetry by 279 different poets writing in as many as 34 languages," Gulzar said in an audio message.

"I firmly believe that poetry doesn't know any borders, so, along with poets from Gujarat, Punjab, Kerala, Goa, Odisha, I included poets writing in Tamil in Sri Lanka, in Bangla in Bangladesh and in Urdu and Punjabi in Pakistan," he added.

"The poems appear in English translation, which is a language that, thanks to our history, a majority of Indians are familiar with. But I wished to make the poems my own, and to write them again in my own way in a language and idiom that is truly our own; therefore I transcreated the poems (except the ones that were originally writtenin Hindi or Urdu) in Hindustani, the language in which I write.

"This was a massive project but a very rewarding one too. The poetry of India can be truly known only if one takes into account the poetry of all its languages.

'A Poem a Day' is my tribute to the many languages of India that happen to be local yet form a part of our national identity. It is also a personal selection of the Indian poetry that contributed to my journey of becoming a poet, and the poetry that I have found the most memorable," he said.

Expressing his gratitude to Harper Collins India for undertaking this ambitious work and bringing it to readers everywhere, Gulzar added: "I feel we need poetry and the power of words more than ever in the difficult times we are going through; I hope that A Poem a Day will be a companion many of you will want to have by your side as we walk into the future."

Gulzar has been one of the most popular lyricists in mainstream Hindi cinema, gaining international fame when he won an Oscar and a Grammy for the song Jai ho.

He received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2002, the Padma Bhushan in 2004, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2014.

Indian-origin comedian wins Nickelodeon comedy award South African comedian Preven Reddy was named the ‘African Social Media Star’ in the international category of the 33rd Annual Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, making him the awards’ only Indian-origin winner.

Reddy is well-known on social media for his comic videos as “Aunty Shamilla”. In his videos, he puts on a South African-Indian accent unique to the greater Durban region which is home to almost half of the South Africa’s 1.4 million Indians.

Although it has been tagged offensive by some, the accent remains very popular amongst comedians and their audiences.

Reddy was given the award in a virtual NATIONAL EDITION

ceremony by the Nickelodeon channel.

"I have been crying happy tears all morning. We actually did it. Thank you so much to every single person who voted for me continuously. I am genuinely at a loss for words, this is so, so surreal. Thank you for believing in me South Africa," he said on his social media.

Big names that attended Nickelodeon’s virtual ceremony include Dwayne Johnson, Ariana Grande, Millie Bobby Brown and Ellen DeGeneres. The awards celebrate kids’ favourite media across films, television, pop music, music, and more.

Psychologists identify coronavirus-related disorder: ‘cyberchondria’ Psychologists at the Moti Lal Nehru (MLN) Divisional Hospital at Allahabad in India have identified a disorder called ‘cyberchondria’, the fear of falling prey to the coronavirus coupled with depression and anxiety.

They say that it is made worse by access to excessive information on the Internet.

While anxiety can be good in helping us react with potential emergencies, too much anxiety can become overwhelming and cause problems, according to psychologists.

"People regularly look for information about symptoms on the internet to check their health status, which is absolutely fine. However, a large number of people who are overly distressed or anxious about their health, are seen making excessive or repeated health-related searches on the internet which makes them even more distressed. This is known as 'cyberchondria'," explained Dr Ishanya Raj, a psychologist at MLN Hospital.

According to the doctor, cyberchondria generally leads to higher degrees of stress which, in turn, can cause elevated blood pressure, headaches, muscle tension, and a weakened immune system. Often, it is triggered by an event - suffering a health scare, somebody in the family falling ill, or a famous person of their age dying or getting sick.

Dr Raj further explained, "In the present

scenario, the pandemic is the only thing that people, and the media, are talking about.

People tend to search the internet where they get incomplete information and this enhances the anxiety and fear. In fact, this complicates the problem instead of solving it."

According to the expert, the problem is greater in urban and semi-urban population that has access to internet.

Dr R.K. Sarkar, a psychiatrist in Kanpur, said that the problem was found mainly in tech-savvy youth.

He cited the example of a teenage boy whose parents had been consulting him almost on a daily basis because their son said he had coronavirus symptoms as per information found on the internet. The boy was checked up and is healthy but, apparently, is suffering from cyberchondria.

Dr. Sarkar advised that people should refrain from compulsive checking of the pandemic on the internet and also avoid watching television shows that talk about the scare.

"If a person suffers from a specific symptom for a few days, it would be advisable to get a professional's opinion on the matter because a doctor can provide more reliable information than an internet search," he said.

Canadian, Spanish students cycle 100km in Singapore to feed Mumbai migrants In a unique initiative, a Canadian and a Spanish student, both of Chinese origin, cycled 100 km in Singapore to raise funds for migrants 4,000 km away in Mumbai’s Govandi suburb. The fund-raiser by Canadian Daren Xiao, 30, and Spanish national Ke Xu Zhou, 29, helped collect nearly (Singaporean) $1,700. Both the students at the INSEAD Business School in Singapore hope to achieve their target of $7,000 by May 15.

“Daren and Zhou completed the gruelling 100 kms cyclothon in Singapore to mark Daren’s birthday yesterday. They will continue to raise funds online for seven

days,” Feeding From Far (FFF) initiative cofounder Paritosh Pant said.

In early April at the height of lockdown, FFF started as a small community kitchen project in Baiganwadi slum area of Govandi.

In the past nearly six weeks since launch, it has dished out more than 400,000 meals to hungry and jobless migrants during the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown.

“The proposal was broached quite casually along with my friend and Adv. Pooja Reddy and we co-founded the FFF. People started helping us out and in the initial few days we got generous support from the legal fraternity of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal, in the form of large individual donations to enable us kick-start the service,” said Pant, a graduate of the country’s premier catering institute, IHM Mumbai.

What was launched informally, has now turned into a serious care-giver for thousands of migrants trapped in the lockdown, as the FFF has collected funds of nearly Rs 1 crore from various quarters and it is comfortably placed to feed the migrants for the entire lockdown, he said.

“Presently, we are serving around 14,000 meals daily – 7,000 lunches and 7,000 suppers to daily wage earners who have lost their livelihoods – through a team of volunteers in the area. We are taking full precautions and adhere to all Covid-19 protocols for this,” Pant said.

The FFF community kitchen has come up in the Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)’s Al Mahdi School in Bainganwadi, Govandi.

As word of FFF’s work spread, several celebs like Vishal Dadlani, Abish Mathew, Monica Dogra, Tanmay Bhat, Saba Azad, Rega Jha, Harish Iyer and others also chipped in for the cause of the migrants.

At one point, the Rotary Club of Bombay Powai also decided to associate with the humanitarian project and helped collect around Rs 50 lakh for the initiative, besides offers from others to join the initiative.

IANS MAY 2020 23

COMMUNITY

Virtual Rabindra Jayanti event one of the first of its kind Sydney’s Bengali community marks Tagore’s 159th birth anniversary with a COVID-safe celebration

BY RITAM MITRA

A

s we have all become unfortunately aware, the impact of a global pandemic is multi-faceted, spanning across almost every aspect of our lives. While Zoom calls have now become a ubiquitous way to bridge the distance between family and friends, arts and culture have taken somewhat of a back seat.

Earlier this month, in an effort to continue old traditions and remain culturally connected, one close-knit group of friends in Sydney’s Bengali community found an innovative new use for video-conferencing, hosting what may well have been one of the first completely virtual Rabindra Jayanti events, in celebration of the birthday of Bengali cultural icon Rabindranath Tagore.

A poet, novelist, musician, painter and playwright, Tagore’s immense cultural influence has spanned several generations and is ubiquitous with Bengal. His literary and artistic achievements are unrivalled, but despite the Nobel Prize to his name, Tagore’s most enduring legacy today is the annual Rabindra Jayanti celebration, which has long seen the performance by young and old of dance, drama, music and poetry written and composed by Tagore.

For organiser Nandini Banerjee, Tagore’s works were synonymous with childhood.

“Like most Bengalis, a huge part of my upbringing was through the poetic eyes of Tagore’s literary works,” she told Indian Link.

“Each year, my family and I would eagerly await early May to celebrate the literary genius’s birthday. This year, in the middle of a global pandemic, I was disappointed knowing Tagore’s 159th birthday celebration would go amiss. I began to think whether I could, like the rest of the world, adapt to the current situation.”

And inspiration was not far away. “I thought of Tagore’s play Pujarini and how despite all odds, the main character, Srimati performed Buddha’s puja during a period of strict order against all prayers,” continued Banerjee. “It occurred to me, although we are all living in isolation, we may be able to continue our celebrations through a virtual meeting! I excitedly contacted my friends and flagged the idea. With everyone’s support, the planning began and we continued the annual tradition with great success.”

With over a dozen participants, ranging in age from as young as 12 to over 80 years of age, it was no small feat to organise the event, especially acknowledging the inherent limitations of technology. While a chorus was not practicable, those on the call took turns reciting poetry, singing and playing instruments from the comfort of their own 24 MAY 2020

Krishnadas and Sanghamitra Mitra

Sutapa Chattopadhyay

homes on a cosy Friday night.

Like any cultural programme, participants practised in advance of the event, leading some, like Sanghamitra Mitra, to feel even more connected to Tagore’s works than they otherwise might have been. “This year, before practising, I did a bit of research for the best song to sing in these times,” she revealed. “Tagore’s is such a vast collection; he has written for every occasion. At some points, I even got the feeling Tagore knew that a pandemic will hit and we will all observe his birthday online!"

For participants Chandrama Acharya and Sutapa Chattopadhyay, the virtual event was a welcome way to feel closer to friends while paying tribute to tradition. “I still feel connected to my roots as I start my mornings

humming to Tagore’s songs or close the day reading his poems,” Acharya observed.

“His philosophy of life, love for nature, faith in humanity built the foundation of my life. Celebrating his birthday is showing my gratitude to this great educator, philosopher and poet for giving out so much happiness and peace in my life.”

For Chattopadhyay too, Tagore remains synonymous with her upbringing: “From my school days, I have enjoyedcelebratingRabindra Jayanti,” she said.“Tagore's songs and poems are a part of my life and this event helped me stay connected with my friends who share the same cultural heritage.”

Life during the COVID-19 pandemic has been full of mostly unwelcome twists and

turns, but as Acharya noted, “Tagore’s songs and poems give us great solace that after every dark day there is a new dawn that brings hope, the cycle of life will continue and we shall not lose faith in humanity”. As Tagore once wrote: Reveal yourself from the emptiness of the soul Let life be victorious once more, Let the wonder of the infinite be revealed through your creation It is not without reason that Tagore’s works continue to transcend age, generations and borders. Almost 80 years on from the date these words were penned, as humanity grapples with its current plight but looks also to greener pastures ahead, Tagore’s musings remain as poignant and relevant as ever.

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‘I extend

my support to the local community during this difficult time of COVID-19’ Please do not hesitate to contact my office for any state Government matters on Office of Julia Finn MP 160 Merrylands Rd Merrylands 2160 P: 9637 1656, E: Granville@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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SCREEN

Awkward….

Melbourne actor Ranveer Harsh gets his big break on 10Play’s How to Stay Married BY RAJNI ANAND LUTHRA

W

hen 17-year-old Melbourne lad Ranveer Harsh went in for his audition for Ten’s second season of How to Stay Married, he had a huge pimple on his forehead.

It probably helped him score the role of the nerdy Indian school kid Ravi.

“At the call back, alongside some of the other actors, the awkwardness and the ability to improvise helped me to find my inner Ravi,” Ranveer laughs as he chats with Indian Link.

Ravi is the friend of Sophie Bulter (Willow Ryan-Fuller), the teenage daughter of Greg (Peter Helliar) and Emily (Lisa McCune). The series follows the travails of middle-class family life in suburban Australia, where people of colour have been part of the landscape for years, but only recently so in the world of mainstream TV. Awkward… is a term that comes up more than once in the conversation with Ranveer, even though he is an articulate, mature and self-assured young man, quite unlike the character he plays.

“My favourite scene in the series is perhaps the first time I meet Peter’s character Greg,” Ranveer recounts. “We had a blast filming it, the awkwardness of it all.”

As a serious Star Wars fan, Greg is not impressed that Ravi thinks the sci-fi show is “a bit over the top” and that he prefers NATIONAL EDITION

Bollywood movies. (As if Bollywood’s not over the top, Greg replies, eye roll in tow).

And yet, at the end of the first episode, Greg has converted the Indian boy to a fan.

The friendly fist pump between the two new buddies though, is still executed awkwardly, and is probably a hint that a reverse transformation in cine stereotyping, ie, Greg sitting down to watch a Bollywood flick with Ravi, is unlikely.

For Ranveer however, it’s been a great learning experience. “The takeaway from the show is to embrace who you really are, and to respect others for who they are.”

He adds, “For my own self, I’ve learnt that if I really want something, I can get it if I dedicate myself to it and give it my full 100 percent. It’s been an incredible experience working with actors I’ve admired for so long. I’ve made loads of new friends too. And seeing it on TV this week, was quite incredible.”

Ranveer may have lost his natural Indian accent, having moved out of the country as a five-year-old, but he loves to play with it.

“I love what Russell Peters and Kunal Nayyar have done with their Indian accents,” he observes, revealing his influences. “Peters’ version of it in between his stand-up routine is just hilarious, and even though Nayyar’s is more authentic, his comic timing is brilliant. I’ve loved putting

the Indian accent to good use in my own amateur YouTube videos.”

He also lists as his influences Tom Hardy and Robert de Niro, and from Hindi films, Amitabh Bachchan, Irrfan Khan and his namesake, Ranveer Singh.

Peters and Nayyar notwithstanding, Ranveer’s work in How to Stay Married is reminiscent of another Indian actor, Adhir Kalyan (Rules of Engagement). Perhaps it’s the scholarly rebuttals in everyday conversations: “Star Wars? I mean, who fights wars in space?”

Ranveer’s first acting gig dropped into his lap when he was but ten years old.

“I was in Year 5 at school in Auckland, NZ, and took home a note from school about auditioning for a TV ad,” he describes. “It got me the lead role in an ad for NZ’s SKY TV.” On the first day of the shoot, the young Ranveer was transfixed. “I was fascinated with the set and the hustle and bustle of the activity, and knew instantly that this would be a very important part of my life.”

From then on, it was an easy entry into theatre; he made his debut with Tom Sawyer and then followed up with Oliver Twist, The Tin Man and The Wizard of Oz. Moving to Australia as a 13-year-old opened up avenues on screen: the last four years have seen him finish three short films

“The takeaway from the show is to embrace who you really are, and to respect others for who they are.”

and a few commercials, including one for the Australian Education Union Victoria as lead actor.

“I’m currently in Year 11 at Point Cook Sr Sec School, and drama is not an option as a course of study but I’m doing literature and thoroughly enjoying the drama and creative aspects of that.”

The path after school seems set already – he’ll be studying acting of course.

Luckily for people his age, IndianAustralian parents are now pushing less for maths and science, medicine and engineering. What advice would he give to others like him who want to get into the performing arts? What would he tell parents?

“Parents want the best for their kids. But you’re right, the mindset is changing. Kids have their own passions and motivations. At the end of the day, if there is talent, nothing can stop you. My own parents supported me from Day One. To other youngsters, my message is, get involved. There are many theatre groups out there. In pandemic times, find something online – it’s not hard.”

While the mindset may have changed for migrant parents, the industry is very slowly changing too, and migrant kids are seeing more people like themselves on TV than ever before. What would Ranveer do to further improve this?

“I’ll continue to be involved, put myself out there, make connections, and present my skills as best as I can.”

He adds with maturity, “I’ll also continue to motivate myself. Maybe I’ll write – from the perspective of a person of colour.”

Nary a hint of awkwardness there.

MAY 2020 27

FESTIVAL

Finding blessing in a COVID Ramadan

‘This year’s Ramzan brings into focus that our sacrifices are ultimately in the service of all.’

SABA ZAIDI ABDI

Ramzan is an auspicious month that is important on so many levels to a believer.

From the religious point of view, it is a

ABBAS RAZA ALVI

This is the first time in my life I’m witnessing the entire world's Muslim community observing Ramzan in isolation. This year, Ramzan will be like no other. No communal prayers. No public gatherings for iftar.

Possibly, at the end of Ramzan, there may be no Eid prayers or celebrations.

Although things look different, there is an assurance that at least we are safe and devoting time with our families at home, not having to experience the day-to-day rush.

I have also been pleased to be receiving Ramzan greetings from multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious friends. It’s a wonderful symbol of mateship, that very Australian value.

And yet, my heart goes out to the poor in India, many of them in lockdown and in isolation with insufficient means to arrange iftar or Eid gifts for their families. I am reminded of Prem Chand’s famed story Idgah at this time; it brings a tear to my eye. I dedicate this message to them with hope.

The darkness of the challenging times notwithstanding, Insha’Allah, we shall open our eyes to the sunshine one day.

28 MAY 2020

month of Ibaadat (prayers), abstinence, selfreflection, charity and cleansing of the body and soul. On a social level, it is also a month

NADEEM AHMED

This year Ramadan will be different around the world. The mosques will be closed, and relatives and friends will remain apart when they would generally gather for iftar to break the fast and share the treats. We will certainly miss the iftar parties and the festivities. But in many ways, it will be same as any other year: we will fast, we will pray, we will recite the Quran, we will take time for reflect on ourselves, and we will give to charity. We will also remember that the qualities of prayer, contemplation, self-sacrifice and charity are key to support our collective effort in tackling COVID-19. This Ramadan, let’s think how we can protect the vulnerable in our neighbourhood, in our families, in the community. So we will stay at home to celebrate Ramadan.

for communities to come together in Jamaat or congregate for Namaz, Iftar and Taravies and celebrate the holy month with recitation of the Qur’an. It is also important for families to pray, fast, eat and rejoice together.

This year is a very different Ramzan due to COVID-19 and social distancing rules.

Usually Ramzan is socially a very busy time.

We are just a few days into the month of Ramzan but already it feels so different. The inability to visit friends and family for iftar, to congregate at mosques or community centres, to visit shops and night markets in Western Sydney means that this Ramzan is more subdued than others. But the flip side of this is that due to the absence of many social and community distractions, one’s focus is brought back to the spiritual side of Ramzan. One has the time to read, think and reflect about the real message of Ramzan. As most of us are at home we are spending more time with the

family and fasting together. The Coronavirus pandemic has forced all of us to reflect on how we function as a society and what we owe to each other. Prayers and reflections this year look a bit different as well: not only thinking of the people who have lost their lives and their loved ones who were not able to be with them, but also praying for those who suffered from the illness, the essential workers who are under enormous pressure, the people who have lost their jobs or face economic hardship, the homeless who don’t have a place to go to, those who are isolated and away from friends and family, and the plight of many millions of people whose stories we may never know. I worry and pray for the safety for my son who works in ICU and my nephew who is on the frontline. This year’s Ramzan brings into focus that our sacrifices – whatever shape they take – are ultimately in the service of all; we are a community, and even when we are unable to be together, we are united in our common humanity and enduring spirit.

SHAFEEN MUSTAQ

RISHA ZIA

Ramadan is about attaining closeness to God through sacrifice - sacrificing food, drink and the usual leniency we give ourselves in our day-to-day lives such as swearing, ill thoughts or ill-temper. In years gone by, my focus on this aim has been diluted with other necessary duties such as work and family responsibilities. Fasting during COVID in isolation away from family and friends, without the need to invest time in getting ready for and travelling to work, without going to the mosque and joining the communal spirit of Ramadan has its advantages and disadvantages. I miss my family and friends. I miss that communal spirit of brotherhood. But I am also aware that it is a blessing to have the time and space to focus on my own spirituality in the comfort of my home. And so, while I indulge in the odd drop-off food to my family or an uber eats iftar for a friend, I can also indulge in the study of my religion and strive to attain that closeness to God.

This a very special COVID Ramadan, probably never to be seen again. I take it as a perfect opportunity to ponder and reflect on my life and actions.

There is enough opportunity to help the underprivileged and be thankful of what has been provided for me and my family. COVID Ramadan has definitely humbled me as the time we spend on feasting elaborate aftaar (opening of fast) is forcibly stopped, giving me the time to contemplate why the world has been stopped by a mere virus. Ramadan is the month of fasting. Fasting is just not depriving ourselves of food; it is, in reality depriving our body and soul of bad habits. There are spiritual/moral benefits and also social benefits apart from evidence-based medical benefits. It teaches us obedience to our lord, trains us to be mindful and fearful of what we say and do, teaches patience and sincerity, develops endurance and self-restraint. In summary, fasting in Ramadan cleanses the soul and refreshes our mind and body each year, and as time passes by, we meet our lord completely free of any virus in the heart or mind, pure and sinless.

www.indianlink.com.au

NATIONAL EDITION

MAY 2020 29

TRAVEL

Udaipur City Palace

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Reliving royalty Why majestic Rajasthan should be the latest addition to your travel wish-list of contemporary religion, mythology, art, power and science beliefs of the time.

BY SANDIP HOR

MEHRANGARH FORT, JODHPUR If Udaipur is known as the hub of Mewar, then the ‘Blue City’ Jodhpur is its Marwar counterpart. The expansive Mehrangarh Fort is the city’s biggest lure. Filled with history and heroic tales of the Mewars, this battlement is guarded by walls with seven distinct gates for entry. It was built by the Mewar King Rao Jodha in the 15th century.

S

ince the outbreak of the coronavirus, actual travel has ceased - but wishful thinking never hurt anyone. Travel restrictions have made this the ideal time to research and develop a travel bucket list on where to go once the pandemic passes.

One destination from my own bucket list is India’s desert state, Rajasthan.

Formerly known as Rajaputana or ‘Land of the Kings’, Rajasthan is famous for its royal flavours that largely radiate from the legacies of two prominent kingdoms – Mewar and Marwar.

To an outsider, they may seem synonymous, but in reality, there are lots of differences in culture, tradition, cuisine and etiquette. Both have the typical Rajput warrior background, but some Mewari clans are very strong in art while Marwari groups, particularly the traders, are robust businessmen like the Birlas, Goenkas, Bajajs, and Jindals.

The remains of their kingdoms are hilltop forts, lakeside palaces and grand temples that punctuate the horizon in almost every direction – and these are Rajasthan’s key tourist attractions today.

If you are a first-time visitor, here’s your ‘must-visit’ list for the top Mewar and Marwar memoirs.

CITY PALACE, UDAIPUR Edging the tranquil waters of manmade Lake Pichola, the palace has been the home of the Mewar Kings since the 16th century. It was built during the remain of Udai Singh II, after whom the settlement of Udaipur gets its name. A large part of 30 MAY 2020

UMAID BHAWAN PALACE, JODHPUR

Jagdish Temple

the palace is the museum that showcases many ‘mahals’ (or quarters) and intricate artwork. Another palace of attention is the palace in the middle of the lake, now a luxury hotel by the Taj Group.

Chittorgarh Fort commemorates the ‘johar’ (self-immolation) of Rana Pratap and his queens when they were attacked by the Mughals.

JAGDISH TEMPLE, UDAIPUR

KUMBHALGARH FORT, KUMBLEGARH

It’s said that devotees congregate and pray at this 17th century Vishnu temple exactly as they did during the heyday of the Mewar era. The exterior and the plinth of this majestic temple is covered with artistic figures of horses, elephants and celestial musicians.

A little-known fact about this hilltop Mewar bastion is that it is the second longest stone wall after the Great Wall of China, stretching over 35 kilometres.

It was built by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century and comprises of Hindu and Jain temples inside.

CHITTORGARH FORT, CHITTORGARH

JAIN TEMPLE, RANAKPUR

Chittorgarh was the capital of Mewar before the city of Udaipur. Standing on the top of a 600 foot-tall hill, the fortress wraps an area of nearly 700 hectares.

It is India’s largest citadel area-wise.

Located inside an enchanting valley in the Aravalli hill range, this 15th century Jain Temple was built during the reign of Rana Kumbha. It is made entirely of marble and acclaimed for its intricate artwork and carvings. Its artwork features the fusion

Regarded as one of the world’s largest private residence, this Jodhpuri palace has three separate wings. One wing is the home of the current royals and another has been transformed to a royal museum open to the public. The last wing has become a luxury hotel run by the Taj Group, believed to be one of the best luxury hotels in the world.

JUNAGARH FORT, BIKANER Bikaner is famous among Indians for its savouries treats, but the city has another major attraction. Junagarh Fort, Bikaner’s 15th century fortress, has remained one of the kingdom’s unconquered forts. It’s seen as a bastion for perseverance while remaining an architectural marvel.

Mehra

JAISALMER FORT, JAISALMER While Rajasthan’s capital city Jaipur is called the ‘Pink City’ and Jodhpur dubbed the ‘Blue City’, Jaisalmer is called the ‘Golden City’. This is because its constructions, including a massive 800-year-old fortress, has been built with yellow stones. In the sun, they even glitter and are a sight to behold.

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Ranakp

Udaipur city view from City Palace

Kumbalgarh Fort

Golden city Jaisalmer

TRAVEL NOTEBOOK Getting There Singapore Airlines offers flights via Singapore to many Indian cities. From there, Indigo and SpiceJet offer good connects to Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.

Stay Some affordable heritage accommodation choices are Karohi Haveli in Udaipur, Pal Haveli in Jodhpur, and Sonaar Haveli in Jaisalmer.

Mehrangarh Fort

Ranakpur Temple

NATIONAL EDITION

Ground Operator Exotic Heritage Group is specialised for tailor-made Rajasthan itineraries.

Junagadh Fortress

Umaid Bhavan Palace

Chittorgarh Fort

MAY 2020 31

w

Have your say on Sydney Metro West Sydney Metro West will be Sydney’s next underground railway, creating about 10,000 direct and 70,000 indirect jobs.

Westmead to The Bays and Sydney CBD Environmental Impact Statement, including the proposed project corridor between Westmead and The Bays, on exhibition until 26 June 2020

You can now have your say on this once-in-a-century infrastructure project that will double rail capacity between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD. A number of planning documents are currently available for community feedback. To ensure people can have their say, we’re making these documents as easy to access as possible. Our team of project experts is ready to help.

Scan to learn more The Bays Road Relocation Review of Environmental Factors on exhibition until 29 May 2020

Sydney Metro West will have a travel time target of around 20 minutes between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD Artist’s impression of Westmead metro station.

Visit planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects to view the Environmental Impact Statement.

Visit sydneymetro.info to view the Review of Environmental Factors, learn more about Sydney Metro West and sign up for email alerts.

Visit sydneymetro.info/metrowest to view an interactive map of the project, find out what you can expect in your area and learn more from expert members of the project team.

Call us on 1800 612 173 to talk to one of our dedicated place managers.

Email your queries to sydneymetrowest@transport.nsw.gov.au and we’ll get back to you.

For the purposes of clause 193(4)(b) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 (NSW), notice is hereby given that a State Significant Infrastructure application under Part 5.1 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) has been lodged with the Secretary of The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Environmental Impact Statement for Westmead to The Bays and Sydney CBD. Application Details: SSI-10038, proponent: Sydney Metro, PO Box K659, Haymarket, NSW 1240.

20005-WEST 04.20 SB1207

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JULY (2) 2014 15

FORETELL

May 2020

BY MINAL KHONA Minal Khona has been reading tarot cards for the last two decades. She uses her intuition and connect with the cards mostly to help people.

15

TAROT

ARIES March 21 - April 19

TAURUS April 20 - May 20

GEMINI May 21 - June 20

CANCER June 21 - July 20

This month, your emotions could overwhelm you with self-doubt. Pay attention to your emotions; you will be worried about your career, food stocks and overall security. Save for a rainy day. An unexpected meeting can bring good luck. Don’t let the problems of others bog you down. Work has its highs and lows, but it will level out. Due to worry, you might second guess your decisions, so wait for a better time. Your stress could affect your sleep.

There could be delays in all matters pertaining to your life. Someone you were close to or depended on could disappoint you in a big way. This could be in a romantic relationship. It will help you get clarity about this person and prevent future heartbreak. If you are isolating at home due to the virus, use this time to recharge your batteries.

Be careful with money and spend judiciously. Taking charge of your life will lead to more success.

The card drawn for you denotes the sign of Sagittarius, so if isolating, you will feel the urge to go out and meet people. You will focus on spiritual matters this month, and think of workrelated matters as well. Your current relationship lacks depth hence you have fears about its future and rightly so. A new approach in a relationship or at work will bring you success. Get any health issue that is bothering you, checked by the doctor.

This is the last run where efforts are concerned. You could be feeling restricted, might want to get out of an oppressive place of work or relationship, or just take a break from responsibilities.

There is a spiritual lesson in all this for you, especially where your relationship is concerned. Just as well we have the virus keeping everyone indoors, or Cancerians may have taken sick leave just to catch a break. Take care of your health this month.

LEO July 21 - Aug 22

VIRGO Aug 23 - Sep 22

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21

This is a period of waiting and watching; it could be a potential reconciliation or reunion. It could also be partial success at a work-related project. With the virus slowing things down worldwide, it is a good time to reflect on your career and work at improving yourself and picking up a new skill. It will enhance your professional image. A lonely person could be the start of a new relationship for you; if you are a woman, beware, he could be married.

The Ace is drawn for you this month, signifying new beginnings.The pandemic leads to a new you, especially in the realm of thought. Usually finicky, you need to let go a little. Don’t let your goals pressure you. A new love affair could sweep singles off their feet. A rocky marriage could go further downhill.

Frustrations abound but you won’t let them get you down. Make efforts to correct a chronic health situation. You will achieve what you set out to do.

A lingering problem calls for help from a higher power; a past attraction too could resurface this month. With everything that bogs you down at this time, channel your energies into a different direction.

Practices like meditation bring positive results. On the work front, you are so sure you want to change jobs that the intensity of that desire will make it happen, when things return to normal.

Take care of your health as a chronic problem could recur.

This card indicates that matters are still at the planning stage; use the virus enforced downtime to think ahead and forge a new lifestyle for yourself.

It also means you have taken on more than you can handle at this time, so slow down. Let your love life be on the backburner for now. A setback or loss of income is indicated. Wait till the dust settles and the direction is clear before taking any decision. A new venture is around the corner.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 19

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18

PISCES Feb 19 - March 20

If it was not for the virus on a rampage worldwide, it would have been a very good time for you - new career, investment opportunities, a positive mindset, and more. Ongoing money troubles still exist, though they don’t prevent you from feeling good. Be careful of what you eat and accidents at home. Money will come from multiple sources, and an educational resource like an unused skill will be of help. Don’t look for instant gratification and you will be happy.

Change is indicated, as income equals expenditure and you try to stay in control even in the face of upsetting news. Every avenue might seem blocked but that is only till you change your perspective. New elements in your personal and professional life will help you get over a past emotional crisis.

Stress can cause health problems.

Someone you meet will bring about the change you seek within. Success follows through a change at work or in your love life.

Use this downtime for self-healing and self-love, something you need to do periodicallybefore you go off crusading for your pet causes again.

You can’t control others, so work on changing your response to them.

The card drawn for you is one that works on emotions, indicating a time to do some emotional spring cleaning.

Make time for some inner engineering.

A situation or incident regarding a family member or a pet could upset you immensely.

A difficult time, as a setback can distress you greatly. Avoid dating for a while, especially if you are just recovering from a heartbreak. The lingering unhappiness will take a while before it is completely gone. A family member could be unwell or cause you stress. Take a break from all your worries and sadness. Money that was held up will come your way. Financial investments could also pay off.

Change in your lifestyle will lead to better things.

NATIONAL EDITION

MAY 2020 33

ENTERTAINMENT

The BUZZ UP-TO-DATE NEWS ON WHAT’S HOT AND HAPPENING IN BOLLYWOOD

Master of reinvention Chocolate hero. Bad guy. Dad roles. Rishi Kapoor did them all, and with aplomb.

Mera Naam Joker

Bobby

Rafoo Chakkar

Khel Khel Mein,

orn in Bollywood’s first family long before nepotism debates, Rishi Kapoor announced his arrival with a National Award as Best Child Artiste in Mera Naam Joker (1970). Three years later when his

father Raj Kapoor launched him as lead actor in teenybopper romance Bobby, the ‘chocolate boy’ hero was born.

For nearly three decades after that, he was synonymous with romance. From the lover-boy prankster of Rafoo Chakkar and Khel Khel Mein, and die-hard romantic in Kabhi Kabhie and Laila Majnu, to the unconventional lover in Zehreela Insaan, it didn't take Rishi Kapoor long to establish himself as the king of masala mush.

In all this, he discovered the power of song and dance to prop the endearing glamour. He emerged as a super dancer in the songs of Yeh Vaada Raha, Sargam, Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai and Karz.

The romantic-musical star tag was important for Rishi, because he was carving a niche in an era that belonged to the Angry Young

Man. Sure, he get on with the occasional gun-toting antic or filmi dishoom-punch, but that wasn't his image. The audience came to watch him romance, and dance.

Yet, Rishi was quietly reorganising his image with his roles - as much as the restrictive commercial Hindi cinema of the ‘70s and ‘80s would let him. He carved a unique comic style for himself (Amar Akbar Anthony) that worked without over-the-top tendencies. By the ‘80s, it was clear that Rishi Kapoor would not fade away. As much as he loved romancing and dancing, he realised the market for such heroes had shrunk. He latched on to the multi-starrer bandwagon, the new trend in Bollywood.

Therein lies the secret of Rishi Kapoor's success. Above all else, he has been a master of reinvention. Matching up to action stars such as Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra or Vinod Khanna in scripts for the macho-men demanded loads of screen presence. Kapoor came up trumps every time.

As the eighties drew to a close, a whole new generation of stars and directors moved in. Rishi did what few expected him to - he signed up for heroine-oriented projects, opposite top actresses of the era such as Sridevi (Chandni), Rekha (Azad Desh Ke Gulam), Madhuri Dixit (Yaarana) and Juhi Chawla (Daraar).

Bollywood had hit an unprecedented low in this

era, and the sole criterion of success seemed to be visibility. These films, as well as the multi-starrers that he continued doing, helped him stay in the limelight.

By the 2000s, having made a move to supporting roles, Kapoor played the daddy roles in films like Yeh Hai Jalwa and Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi. Bollywood had changed with the millennium and, just when people started saying that playing the heroine's dad was the first sign of an actor's end, Rishi Kapoor sprung his most glorious twin surprises.

First, he reinvented himself all over again. With the advent of the 2010s, Kapoor moved away from all things nice that had ever defined his image. As the sinister face of evil in Agneepath and D-Day, he was reinventing villainy, in the same way he had redefined the hero all those years agoin Bobby. In a project that was about to take off before he passed, we would have seen him in a completely different avatar yet again: playing de Niro’s role in a Hindi remake of The Intern, alongside Deepika Padukone.

But more interesting was Kapoor's reinvention off screen. He took to social media. When he joined Twitter in January of 2010, people expected just another old Bollywood star, who would spew niceties and knowledge. What they got was a firebrand who would take on any and everybody. Rishi Kapoor, always known to have spoken his mind, found a natural space to let off some steam. Sure, it got him trolled often, but it also did leave social media impressed with his guts.

That streak of guts defines everything he has ever lived for. It is something that resonates in his autobiography Khullam Khulla published in 2017. It is the guts that let the moviestar embrace career changes as smoothly as his mind and spirit took on the fight against cancer head-on.

IANS

B

Rishi Kapoor (4 September 1952 – 30 April 2020) 34 MAY 2020

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In a league of his own

A

CAPTION CONTEST WIN MOVIE TICKETS!

How Irrfan Khan stayed true to himself and created a brand of his own in a global career

s a young man, Sahabzade Irrfan Ali Khan nurtured a serious desire to become a cricketer. In small town India, where cricket and cinema are the twin intoxications that drive notions of heroism, the young son of a tyre seller in Jaipur couldn’t realise the dream, so he shifted focus to acting. It was his other passion – which he had been honing doing street theatre.

Irrfan faced the camera for the first time in Pravin Nischol’s Doordarshan TV series Shrikants tarring Farooq Shaikh and Sujata Mehta in the lead roles. The show ran between 1985 and 1986 and made very little impact.

His big screen break happened when Mira Nair came looking for fresh faces in National School of Drama (NSD), to cast in her 1988 film Salaam Bombay. She picked Irrfan, a student then, for a small role. The film went to the Oscars, and Irrfan was just about noticed.

What followed was years of struggle.

For most of the nineties, he was stuck with forgettable roles in television. Irrfan, with his unconventional face and persona, was too ‘different’ to be the lead and too young to be the traditional bad man in commercial cinema.

A few interesting roles came up in the arthouse and crossover circuit: Basu Chatterjee’s Kamla Ki Maut (1989), Govind Nihalani’s Drishti (1990), Tapan Sinha’s Ek Doctor Ki Maut (1990), and Akashdeep’s Ghaath (2000). Despite good perfomrances, they didn’t give Irrfan the sort of traction he would hope for.

That happened with a ‘foreign film’ when British filmmaker Asif Kapadia was making his directorial debut with The Warrior (2002). He was looking for a new face – preferably Indian and unlike any – for the title role. Irrfan fit the bill perfectly. The film was an international success, and people who mattered in the industry noticed.

A year later, two films released would turn the tide for the actor. Irrfan’s goon-politician in Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Haasil and the brooding don in Vishal Bharadwaj’s Maqbool, a Bollywood revisit of Macbeth, gave screen menace two very different hues. It was the early 2000s, and Bollywood was welcoming new faces. Most importantly, the advent of multiplexes had thrown open the genre of realism in entertainment. Actors like Irrfan were suddenly in demand. Over the next years, roles in Life In A Metro, Sunday, Mumbai Meri Jaan and New York worked at propelling his popularity.

The big bang in Bollywood would come in 2012 with Paan Singh Tomar.

NATIONAL EDITION

Tigmanshu Dhulia’s remarkable reallife story of an athlete who became a dacoit needed an actor who could project a complex torrent of emotions with understated ease. Irrfan’s effort won him a National Award for Best Actor. It also underlined an important fact – the actor was a brand of his own, not a prop in big productions for major commercial stars.

What worked in setting up Irrfan’s unique brand power was the fact that he managed to crack the international scene. Michael Winterbottom’s A Mighty Heart (2007) saw him essay a Pakistani cop in the grim account of journalist Daniel Pearl’s killing. The film did not work, but when you play an almost parallel role in a film starring Angelina Jolie, you get noticed. The immediate outcome was Danny Boyle’s blockbuster Slumdog Millionaire (2008). The film’s success and massive Oscar haul made everybody associated with it famous.

It helped Irrfan for two reasons. First, Indian and Asian origin directors such as Mira Nair and Ang Lee, had grown in stature in the West. This translated to important roles in films such as New York I Love You (2009) and Life Of Pi (2012).

Secondly, Indian roles in Hollywood projects were no longer about playing the cabbie. In the age of inclusion, Irrfan bagged roles in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), Jurassic World (2015), and Inferno (2016), besides voicing Baloo in The Jungle Book.

Juggling this between Lunchbox (2013), Haider (2014), Piku (2015), Hindi Medium (2017) and Karwaan (2018), Irrfan had clearly reached his best phase.

At the same time, in Marc Turtletaub’s drama Puzzle (2018), Irrfan finally got to play the hero.

The

film won critical acclaim and favour amongst a niche audience. It was Irrfan’s finest hour, making his demise an irreparable loss.

The 53-year-old actor is survived by his wife Sutapa and their sons, Babil and Ayan. He had been ailing ever since he was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour in 2018. For his fans, Irrfan will live on in the stories he told on screen.

IANS

What’s Madhuri Dixit Nene saying about her son Arin here?

Send your response to: media@indianlink.com.au TO WIN A MOVIE TICKET!

LAST ISSUE CAPTION CONTEST

WINNER

What’s Arun Govil - aka Lord Ram - thinking as he watches a re-run of Ramayana with his family?

Kabhi kabhi lagta hai sala apun ich bhagwan hai.

Nikhil Pophale Congratulations Nikhil! You win a movie ticket.

Irrfan Khan (7 January 1967 – 29 April 2020)

For more caption entries, see YOUR SAY Page 07

MAY 2020 35

ENTERTAINMENT

cineTALK

NEVER HAVE I EVER (Netflix) STARRING: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Richa Moorjani, Poorna Jagannathan DIRECTOR: Mindy Kaling

HHH Netflix’s newest teen rom-com offering is Mindy Kaling’s Never Have I Ever, a semi-autobiographical series about an Indian-American teenager in California.

Tamil-Canadian actress Maitreyi Ramakrishnan makes her screen debut as Devi Ramakrishnan, a likeable and odd teenager coping with the death of her father. Now she’s back for another year of high school, hoping to get a boyfriend and be popular at last.

Devi is a delightful protagonist who is self-absorbed but thoughtful, selfish yet well-meaning, and definitely funny – much of her humour is the typical pop culture banter we’ve grown to love.

She’s joined by fellow misfits Eleanor (played by Ramona Young of Santa

SWEET, FUNNY AND BINGE-WORTHY Clarita Diet) and nerdy Fabiola (Lee Rodriguez) in her endearing, misled attempts to rise up the social ranks.

Yes, the show’s trio are an Indian, an Asian-American, and an Afro-Latina, and thankfully it doesn’t make a big deal about this diversity.

At home, Devi’s family comprises her unapologetically sassy mother (Poorna Jagannathan) and cousin Kamala (Richa Moorjani), a biology student at CalTech desperately avoiding her arranged marriage. The cast is rounded up by the talented Niecy Nash as Devi’s therapist as asounding board for the teen’s outrageous thoughts said aloud. It’s clear that Devi’s newfound popularity attempts stem from grief about her late father, and it seems everyone can see it but her.

The show’s unexpected narrator is

none other than tennis legend John McEnroe and the humour of a 61-yearold celebrity narrating the life of a teenage Indian girl is lost on no one.

This could’ve been a hit-or-a-miss; luckily McEnroe’s voiceover only adds to the show’s eccentric humour.

The 20-minute runtimes are ideal for our binging needs this pandemic season. In true Netflix style, the show’s look demonstrates its high production value witha pop-influenced soundtrack.

There’s a celebration of diversity that’s not in-your-face about it, and an Indianness that entertains and informs audiences. “Aunties are older Indian women who have no blood relationship to you but are allowed to have opinions on your life and shortcomings,” McEnroe hilariously explains in a deadpan tone.

Showrunner Kaling’s earlier work like The Mindy Project paved the way for a new wave of comedy, but she wasn’t without her critics – like why were all her love interests white? With Never Have I Ever, Kaling and co-creator Lang Fisher (whose impressive writing credits include Brooklyn Nine Nine and 30 Rock) manage to stay culturally authentic without letting ‘being Indian’ define Devi.

Of course, Never Have I Ever isn’t flawless. It relies on teen drama tropes like a bitter rival turned friend, a hot love interest who doesn’t know Devi exists, and (somewhat unnecessary) tantrums to heighten the drama. “Trust me, whatever you guys have going on, my shit’s bigger, okay?” Devi yells disparagingly at her friends, regretting it only moments later.

Despite these minor drawbacks, Never Have I Ever proves to be engaging, warm, and well-written - even with its try-hard moments.

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ENTERTAINMENT

OLD SCHOOL ACTION FEST

EXTRACTION (Netflix) STARRING: Chris Hemsworth, Randeep Hooda, Pankaj Tripathi, Priyanshu Painyuli DIRECTOR: Sam Hargrave

HHH Extraction may be billed as a highoctane action film, but a lot of its stunts would remind you of old-school Bollywood. For a change, this is not so much about contemporary Hollywood CGI razzle as it is about vintage Mumbai action masala. In this film, Thor comes to India – to Bangladesh, according to the script, but it’s Ahmedabad that’s being passed off as Dhaka.

Avengers director duo Anthony

and Joe Russo, who co-produce this film with Hemsworth and action choreographer-turned-filmmaker Sam Hargrave, have gone for more than just locations while delivering an Indian feel. Driven by the clear intention of cashing in on violence, they haven’t bothered to check on the subcontinent’s socio-cultural nuances (so typically Hollywood). Ahmedabad simply does not look like Dhaka, never mind the deliberately done Bengali hoardings and occasional Bengali lines thrown in.

The film won’t disappoint action buffs, though. It is unabashedly unidimensional in situations, plot and characters despite a backdrop that

FOUR MORE SHOTS PLEASE SEASON 2 (Amazon Prime series)

A HAPPIER HIGH

STARRING: Sayani Gupta, Kirti Kulhari, Maanvi Gagroo and Bani J DIRECTOR: Nupur Asthana

HHHH There is an element of simplistic joy that drives Four More Shots Please, and it’s a quality that endears you to the show. Beneath the grit driving its admirably unapologetic protagonists, it has a fairy-tale spirit propping the narrative. Same-sex love or business woes, broken marriages or cheating partners – within the realism that this series sets up, the drama invariably flows with abundant feel-good zest.

Perhaps it is meant to be that way.

The four lead actresses of the show have, after all, learnt to comfortably coexist with their flaws and life’s worries. The new season takes the individual stories of these four women forward with more introspective edge and the same irreverent wit that we loved the first time around.

Season Two takes off a few months after the first season ended, and starts NATIONAL EDITION

could have been tapped to create a smart socio-political thriller. Instead, the effort never deviates from its intention of being a loud stunt fest and little else.

Joe Russo’s screenplay draws from a graphic novel that he once co-authored, titled Ciudad. While the drama in the book is based in the Paraguayan city of Ciudad del Este, the film transfers the story to Bangladesh’s capital city of Dhaka (incidentally, the film was originally titled “Dhaka”, too).

The plot is basic. Ovi (Rudraksh Jaiswal), the teenage son of a jailed drug lord (Pankaj Tripathi in a blinkand-miss role) is kidnapped by the

with a rather unnecessary check on where each lead character currently stands, before taking off with their individual stories.

Damini (Sayani Gupta), Anjana (Kirti Kulhari), Siddhi (Maanvi Gagroo) and Umang (Bani J) are still dealing with familiar crises. Damini, reeling under the loss of her website, has turned her attention to writing a book that has the potential of stirring up a storm. Umang, after outing herself to the world, wants to give her relationship with Samara

(Lisa Ray) a proper shot. Anjana wants to patch up with her ex-husband, while Siddhi is trying to make it as a stand-up comedian.

While Nupur Asthana takes over from Anu Menon to direct, the overall uniformity in the unique mix of drama and humour probably owes itself to the fact that Devika Bhagat returns as writer for all 10 episodes of the new season. Bhagat keeps up the intrigue factor about each of the leading ladies by reiterating their quirky flaws from season one.

This is a show brought to life by an all-women crew. Beyond Asthana and Bhagat, the narrative is sufficiently enriched by Ishita Moitra’s dialogues.

The writing of characters as well as the lines they get to speak, blend well with Asthana’s tack as a filmmaker.

It is something that lets the cast relish the job at hand. Sayani Gupta, Kirti Kulhari, Maanvi Gagroo and Bani J

gangster Asif (Priyanshu Painyuli).

Hemsworth as the mercenary Tyler Rake is hired for a whopping sum to bring the boy back.

Extraction operates on a nebulous kidnapping that is never explained, as if Joe Russo saw too many old Hindi action dramas of the ‘80s and ‘90s before writing this screenplay, where you throw logic out the window while setting up the hero as a portrait of machismo.

Clearly, stunt director-turned-film director Hargrave gave more attention to a highlight 12-minute action sequence filmed on Hemsworth than storytelling details.

Indeed, Tyler the hero goes to places where even Thor the superhero wouldn’t imagine – in the domain of the hardcore commercial Bollywood. He acquires infallible swag as he bashes up a dozen baddies singlehandedly, and spectacularly goes about his mission. Oh, and he is lonely too, as brooding men of action normally are. Just for the heck of it, they might have given Hemsworth a love story too, and some naach-gaana!

Pankaj Tripathi is wasted, Randeep Hooda gets a few scenes of note as an action star, and those who dig world cinema will be disappointed with the raw deal Golshifteh Farahani gets.

Perhaps only Hemsworth fans won’t be disappointed. Extraction is a package tailor-made for the hunky superstar (it is his co-production, after all.)

By lockdown logic, though, the film should be good enough to sail through.

Vinayak Chakravorty

are more impressive in their respective roles this season. They seem to have settled down comfortably in their screen avatars.

The male cast, really the supporting acts here, are however impressive in well-penned roles. Milind Soman, PratiekBabbar and Neil Bhoopalam are back in familiar roles, while Sameer Kochhar and Prabal Punjabi join the cast, too. The men are particularly useful in triggering off the conflict points in the lives of the show’s four female leads, with their many hues between black and white.

Sure, there are flaws. The start of the season, for instance, need not have wasted time with recap, and taken us straight into the current lives of the four girls. After a while, many of the stock plot points keep coming back, rendering some of the middle episodes without pace at times.

Still, you come out of the experience happier – if only because Damini, Anjana, Siddhi and Umang have adamantly decided they won’t let negativity enter their world, no matter what. Despite the feel-good simplicity, their world continues to be nuanced.

Vinayak Chakravorty MAY 2020 37

opInI

ENTERTAINMENT

Se

cine TALK Ap The other sideof can the pandemic

BACKCHAT

PL

Australian speech ar

BY LP AYER

E

ven as the coronavirus is in rapid retreat from our shores, there is a wave of predictions by futurists.

Most foresee dire days ahead and I don’t want to add to that pile. In an effort to bring some cheer, I have decided to ‘get to the other side of this crisis’ (a trending cliché) on what is lurking there. It’s a mixed bag.

The biggest winner is the world’s tallest mountain, the Himalayas, whose snowclad peaks are clearly visible miles away thanks to the plummeting pollution. Maybe this breath of fresh air has helped to keep corona under control. With a blue sky bereft of aeroplanes, a huge flock of flamingos has landed in a Mumbai pond. Some wild animals are sighted on the once busy highways in some Western cities, regaining their space lost to us humans. Alas this serenity may be short-lived once we are on ‘the road to recovery.’

Considering the CovidSafe app’s capacity to track one’s movements, most women would love to have a similar app on their devices to track the devious movements of their menfolk. Are we safe any longer, males? Not unless someone comes up with an app like KidSafe to block the prying eyes of our partners.

Millions of trees may have disappeared - half of them to meet the demand for the treasured toilet paper and the other half turned into treasury notes to counter the economic damage. To enhance his own economic status, an ambitious Adelaide youngster stockpiled over $10,000 worth of toilet paper and sanitiser bottles, making 150 trips to the local Drake supermarket.

His effort to offload them and rake profits

Photo: Pexels.com/GantasVaičiulėnas

Exploring the mixed bag in our futures.

A

came unstuck as Gumtree blocked his bid. When he took them back to the shop for a refund, the owner flatly refused and uploaded a video of him showing a single finger salute that went viral. Perhaps the guy’s now storing the rolls in his bedroom and sleeping in the toilet. He can get creative and write a book entitled ‘Thousand uses for toilet tissue’ to recover his loss.

Even as the virulent virus is vanishing from Victoria, the State has ordered 551 million gloves and 100 million face masks.

Premier Andrews wants to be well armed for COVID-20 whenever that strikes. If it thankfully doesn’t turn up, could it be a loss of face enmasse? From the other side of Oz, another Andrew, iron ore magnate, has imported several thousands of test kits after sending millions of tons of red dirt to Red China. A fair swap of irreplaceable

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resources for disposable dipsticks! Beijing bank vaults must be bulging.

Millions of people admire doctors, nurses and frontline in this war DIRECTOR: Gauravvworkers K. Chawla Saif Ali Khan, or Rohan Mehra, onSTARRING: the virus, by applauding banging Radhika Apte, Chitrangda Singh saucepans. They richly deserve this HHHHH adulation, although a small minority treats payment for tele-health consults as a gold I can’t single (or even rush.

Oncerecall aversea to take notable your phone call, non-notable) Indian film based on the they have now billed Medicare for over plunging dips andingiddying of all three million calls a month.highs (Ringing the stock market.

Do you remember the way to the bank?) At the same time, Harshad Mehta? How could you forget many surgeons are wringing their hands, the podgy stockbroker who made unable to make a cut with electives off the thousands of Indians rich overnight and operating table. then it all ended in a financial mess in Donald Trump, no time at all? who continually contradicts himself, may be in for Saif Ali Khan’s Shakun Kothari’s the Nobelrun Prize for his destiny onfor theMedicine same lines. suggestion to Saif injectasdisinfectant to avoid Except that the wily ruthless the virus. He may also be considered for an Oscar for Comedy, for later saying it

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was but a sarcastic comment. His nemesis, Kim Jong-Un, only a notch less dreadful Machiavellian is everything than corona, hasstockbroker a penchant for publicity. that Harshad Mehta would have wanted Having been wiped out of media attention to be.

This is Saif’s most gloriously by the world’s focus on the pandemic, he written and performed part, meaty managed a disappearance, leading to awitty and wicked.

He chews into it exposing a flurry of reports on his fate. sacred hunger that I didn’t notice in his ‘Life may not be the same again’ is now outing. a last catchover-hyped phrase as the Wuhan virus has Saif as Shakun is a true-blue Gujju wrecked the lives of billions from Hubei who won’t let neo-affluence corrupt his to Hawaii. Since the advent of Christ, all cultural integrity. He slips into Gujjumajor events are chronologically referred to fications with the unrehearsed cuteness as BC or AD. Now they may use references of tycoon, who has long ceased to be Before Covid or After (the) Devilish cute to everyone, including his own wife (pandemic). and children.

On a sober note, inRohan rural India, When debutant Mehrafriends enters and used to chant Govind, therelatives plot as Rizwan there ‘Hare is no Shakun Govind’ accompanying a body on its Kothariwhile around.

We know Rizwan last journey.

The new may welllike be idolizes Shakun andchant wants to be ‘Covid, Covid’. Sad indeed.

It is a mixed bag, as I said earlier.

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ustra coun dive can see it in t the people th with. You can the restauran the main stre towns. And y in the variety and cultural e celebrated aro country: Chin Year, Diwali, Ramadan and to name a few However, t of the Abori peoples th him - ainvery reminder tha have. And w been embracw Rizwan’s reminds us h a role seve bristlingcan sin achieved her Theredemp propo finale. the Racial Dis There is o put forward He is show current word down an ab 18C inapprop moment of constrains ou in being clu speech. of the stoc That sectio the tone of come in th unlawful to d ‘When Sha public which My quibb likely… to of (Nikhil Adv humiliate or i Arora) is th another perso of people” if is done becau race, colour o ethnic origin person”.

There is no that freedom is important important be the role it pla democracy. F of speech en when you or ballot box we an informed about who to Freedom of a community and so that in decisions tha Section 18C role to play in

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